Burton's most accomplished work

Rating: Null/10 (21 January 2004)

Just watched 'Big Fish'. Admittedly I am a complete Burton fanboy, so it's with great delight that I report 'Big Fish' is a stunning return to form after the disaster that was the 'Planet of the Apes' remake. Some people have been questioning Burton's skill since Apes, with reports of remakes abounding - the much-hyped Johnny-Depp-starring redo of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', and also his ability to appeal to the mainstream and keep the studio's happy. I think 'Big Fish' will silence his critics once and for all.
In my opinion 'Big Fish' is easily his best work. Both mature and delightfully childlike I think he's been watching a lot of Jean-Pierre Jeunet films. It has the same hyper-realism and surrealism as Jeunet's work, but retains everything that makes Burton's films so unique - his own brand of off-kilter story-telling, slightly off-centre humour and childlike wonder.
'Big Fish' is also Burton's most commercial piece of work, and I suspect it's going to be a massive hit with everybody - critics and audiences, young and old, film buff and film newbies. You can't help but get pulled along by the youthful exuberance of the whole film - it's like 'Amelie' on acid. One critic dubbed the film the new 'Wizard of Oz', and I'd say that's pretty much spot on - both films are a delight to watch, are visually inventive, and bursting with happiness.
Story wise it's pure Burton. Tall tales, bizarre misfit characters, but heart-warming and uniquely beautiful. There are no real "stars" in the film, as it seems to go beyond any one actor or actress... so real commendations to all involved as it takes some doing to make you believe that your not watching "stars" Jessica Lange, Ewan McGregor, and Helena Bonham Carter. The rest of the cast is equally sparkling, cameo's by a whole host of players at the top of their game. Albert Finney get's the real kudos - he plays the old dying 'Big Fish', Ed Bloom, perectly... with the perfect balance of emotion, charm and wit. I have little doubt that he'll walk away with a paperweight or two this awards season.
I think 'Big Fish' is a timeless masterpiece. A film that parents will show their children, and children will show their children. It's pure cinema magic, and I don't often say that... you really do get a real sense of magic and wonder while watching it, the "time stops" sequence is as perfect a piece of cinema as I've ever seen. So a welcome return to the boy-wonder Burton after a brief spell in the wilderness. So now I'm going to be waiting on the remake of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' with baited breath... it'll either be simply amazing or astounding awful, Burton never does things by halves.