Tim Burton's masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (27 July 2005)

Just so all of you know, I am a huge Tim Burton fan because I have always thought that if I were to make a movie about any of the same subjects as his films, I would use the same fascinating visual style. However, I skipped "Ed Wood", which is considered for many his best film, because he didn't use his usual visual style. So when I saw the trailer for Burton's "Big Fish", I thought Burton was going to use it as an attempt to free himself from his style and try to be more "normal". I did not go to the theater and see it, but when it came out on DVD I saw it at a friends house only because I was bored. Then the movie began, and i realized I was very wrong to doubt.
"Big Fish" is a simple story with great visuals, a touching message, and it shows that Burton, if given the chance, can be a great storyteller. The film stars Billy Crudup as Will Bloom a man who has never really liked his father, Edward Bloom, who is played by Albert Finney. The reason for it is that his father has been telling unbelievable stories about his own life since his son was born. Tales such as meeting a witch that if you look into her eye, you can see how you will die. Also about meeting and befriending a giant, going to war and meeting conjoined twins who help him return home, and catching a humongous fish. But the story that beats them all is the story of when he meets the love of his life and time stops. The young Edward Bloom is played by Ewan McGreggor and his wife, in her old years, is played by Jessica Lange. Finally, when his father is dying, Will returns home to spend time with his father and hopes to finally discover the truth of his life.
"Big Fish" is Tim Burton's masterpiece. He is not known for directing dramas, but here he shows his gifts as a director. He takes a story that, while simple, could have gone over the top in sappiness and cheesiness, but his visuals and characters are convincing, the plot gets you involved, and when the incredibly sad ending comes, you feel completely moved by the film and admire the fact that Burton has proved himself not only as a brilliant visual creator, but as a serious filmmaker that could make a great drama even without his visuals. 10 stars/ 10.
By the way, this film made me give "Ed Wood" a chance, and I thought it was surprisingly good, but not as good as "Big Fish".