Social Commentary in Big Fish

Rating: 10/10 (31 October 2004)

On first viewing of Burton's Big Fish I was easily dazzled by the wonderful visionary effects and heartwarming story. I immediately loved the film not only for these reasons but also because I felt there was something deeper being touched on in the film though I didn't quite grasp it all at first viewing. Since I have watched it several times more and clearly seen the social commentary the film makes.
Culture today is moving into a period called post-modernism, which has many aspects to it, but chiefly the movement from modern logical thought to something beyond. Shown mostly in the younger generations, post-modernism has turned away from science and logic. The way to reach a young person these days is not by lecturing facts, but through stories and experience. This film explores this cultural shift brilliantly, whether it really intended to or not.
The film continually keeps you guessing as to what parts of Ed's stories are real and what aren't, but that's not the point. The point is that regardless of how much the stories are true (or make logical sense), they are who the man is. Indeed logic even has no place in them, shown by multiple absurdities and illogical time sequences with the witch. Edward is the character representation of post-modernism, with his son William representing the modern world and it's lack of understanding of post-modernism.
I would elaborate more but the film is so rich in scenes and characters that display different aspects of this point that to do so would require a more in depth study than can be given here. So look for it in the movie yourself if you know anything about this cultural change.