A fairytale for grown-ups

Rating: 10/10 (12 April 2008)

While is normally thought that fairy tales are exclusively for children, this film is a perfect example of a properly done story with magical (or surreal if you want) elements and still have a message directed towards adults.
This is one of Tim Burton's finest. Everything is beautiful. The script, the acting, the sets (you can see some good old Gothic Burton in the scene with Jenny's tilted house), the score (though not as memorable as Edward Scissorhands), the symbolism, everything.
It was wise not to show the real life of Edward Bloom, as it would have been a lot more boring, and it would also ruin the ride. We are presented with all this fantastic story, but as a responsible audience, we most figure out by ourselves who Edward Bloom really was.
Interestingly, I thought the scenes with the old Ed and his son, Will, were quite slow and a little boring. I think was done intentionally, as Will's skepticism seems to kill his father's joy, as well as his mother's and his wife's.
The ending was probably one of the best in film history. It has it all. Humor, excitement, anguish and a full circle. Even though it's presented as being fake, you still cry and believe it was all real.
A powerful strike against rationalists who trust only in what is tangible, and don't care anymore about the fantastic or the magical, this is an authentic fairytale for grown-ups. Although it has family friendly fun, children don't know frustration or resentment, so they don't feel as identified in the story with Will, a character we could call the antagonist.
Congratulations, Mr. Burton, for giving us yet another masterpiece.