couldn't hook an oscar nod

Rating: Null/10 (2 February 2004)

Tim Burton, one of hollywood's most unique voices, tried to hook a big one.
"Big Fish" is distinctly a Burton film, filled with memorable misfit characters and fairy tale imagery. But the overall tone of the film, from the cinematography to the score, displays a different sort of Burton. One that is reaching a little further for the masses,and the oscar voters.
The film is tremendous. It touches us with lessons about relationships, persistance, and optimism. Burton always has a passion about misfits, and they figure largely into the story here. However, the film ever so slightly tips towards the mainstream, unlike many of his other films (Ed Wood, Mars Attacks).
It seems to me he was shooting for an oscar. it's a story voters love, and the Elfman score was more classic movie-esque than before. Oscars loss is our gain. He has crafted yet another fable,this one the most touching, and enjoyably, more family-oriented than his previous efforts. The story keeps you watching and guessing, and the ending tugs at your heartstrings, yet in a totally unhollywood way.This may have kept oscar voters away, and even american audiences,but he has left us with a film that will endure. One for the ages. Don't let missing the big catch of a hollywood award get you down Mr. Burton. You've left us a film that will reel in generations to come.