A Wonderful Story, A Captivating Film

Rating: 10/10 (10 May 2004)

In short, one of the best films I have ever seen. The story is funny, but not comic and very touching, but not sad. It caught me from the beginning and held me, captivated, through the end. The distinctions between reality and fantasy are clearly defined and beautifully intertwined. I should think that all who see this film, with the exception of the young perhaps, can relate to some our all of the emotional aspects behind the story. In fact, the film has made me anxious to read the novel. Having not read the novel I can only comment on the story itself and hope that the screenplay represents as much depth as I anticipate that the novel will. The cinematography is stunning and at times breathtakingly beautiful. The acting is superb, especially from Finney and McGregor who complete the main character both precisely and with supreme conviction. The entire cast simply fit in to the story, made it real and brought it to life. The direction? Well it is Tim Burton after all and that is what really drew me to see the film in the first place. So being a fan I can't say that my opinion would be completely objective but I believe this to be perhaps his best work to date, in the commercial realm at least. Well done once again, Mr. Burton! This film, much as the life of the main character, will live on for a long time. I certainly will carry this story with me, like a few of the more flamboyant and colorful people in my life, in my heart until I can't remember anything anymore.