Believe It Or Not: Fact or Fiction

Rating: 7/10 (10 January 2004)

When someone tells a story, the listener must decide for himself (or herself) how much of the story is fiction and how much is non-fiction. Often, the line between fantasy and reality is a thin one. Tim Burton explores this line beautifully in "Big Fish."
First of all, the direction and cinematography, especially during the flashbacks, helps maintain a dream-like quality throughout the film. Philippe Rousselot plays with a variety of bright colors, like a joyful memory where you remember everything brighter than it actually was. Yes, there are dark moments in the movie, but those too seem less like a nightmare and more like a daydream. Danny Elfman's score also fits the movie and its subject matter very well.
Second of all is the acting, which keeps the movie a good distance from its potential. It's not that one character's acting is horrible, but certain scenes seem to take the actors to a ground on which they are not as easily able to stand.
Third, the idea of the movie of alone makes it worth watching. It is only the way in which it is executed that keeps the movie from perfection.
Final Grade: B+