good catch

Rating: Null/10 (3 January 2004)

Fact and fiction are beautifully blurred as a son tries to reconcile the past of his dying father. Growing up with his father, Edward Bloom's elaborate story telling, his son, Will, is tired of the fantasy and yearning for the truth. One by one, the so-called tall tales of Edward's life come to life in a dazzling and often strange portrait created by the amazingly imaginative director, Tim Burton. Will tries to uncover the facts behind the myths, and in the process discovers that perhaps the similarities between the facts and myths are what is important, not necessarily the differences.

While aesthetically pleasing and emotionally touching (as well as surprisingly funny), Burton does not compromise originality or honesty. I applaud Burton for his invigorating insight into the human spirit and for his stimulating, novel depiction of age-old subject matter. From "Fish's" specific ideas of the power of legend and immortality to its broader ideas of human relationships and understanding, it is a masterful accomplishment with alluring mystique!
And with awe-striking cinematography, flawless effects, an absolutely spectacular cast (which I'm sorry to say, I have not stressed enough), and one of my favorite composers (Danny Elfman - who has teamed up with Burton before) -- this "Fish" was certainly not destined to sink.

There are a few qualms. Although I adored Elfman's score, I thought the music could have backed off a little, and perhaps some of the events (script wise) could have actually been done with a tad bit more originality and congruency.
Though seemingly unusual, even the unaware audience members will find themselves relating to "Big Fish."
Do not dwell upon how reality is different than fiction; on the contrary celebrate how fiction is a reflection of reality. I don't think anybody could have said it better than Picasso: "Everything you can imagine is real."