Big Fish



Big Fish is basically the most conventional movie Tim Burton has ever made. It's the story of a son (Billy Crudup) coming to terms with the bizarre tall tales his father (Albert Finney) has always told in lieu of any actual biographical details. This happens as the father lays dying. We get to see many tall tales featuring a younger version of the father, played by Ewan McGregor.


"I must remember where I parked."

To Burton's credit, he displays a little more patience that is usual in his storytelling, letting the dramatic scenes develop and not letting the "good stuff" ride away with the movie, as seems to be his natural tendency. The problem is, I kinda wish he had let the fantasy scenes be a little more wild. As it is the movie seems muted. When it comes to Burton's dramas, I though Ed Wood rang more true, and though based on a real person that film was more of tall tale than any of the father's stories in this one. Still, Big Fish is a cute movie, and a sweet one.

Posted: Sun - January 11, 2004 at      

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