Big Fish is undeniably Tim Burton’s masterpiece (Despite Johnny Depp’s obvious absence). The king of fantasy and imagination beat all his other films, with this highly imaginitive, sensitive, and touching story of a man who lived the most glorious, fantasy-filled life.
Based on the book by Daniel Wallace, Big Fish tells the tale of a travelling salesman, Edward Bloom, who told tall tales, and charmed his way into the hearts of anyone who crossed his path. Unfortunately, we are first introduced to him in his later years, as he lay dying, barely understood by his own son. Cynical and irritated, his son seemed painfully oblivious to his father’s magical world. But it isn’t too long, before he also discovers the man behind the tales.
Edward Bloom’s story begins soon after he witnesses the cause of his own death in a witch’s eye. From then on, his life was about dangerous leaps of faith, and life at its fullest. Successful at every task he pursued, and perhaps dissatisfied, this ambitious go-getter sets off to discover the world outside, with a friendly but hungry giant, Karl. Together they journey across town, parting midway, when Bloom discovers a pretty little town with happy, friendly people. However, the singing, the tasty food, the perfect climate, and the harmonious breeze aren’t incentive enough for Edward Bloom. Promising little Jenny and the others that he would return some day, he sets off to meet his destiny. Edward and Karl find their way into a circus run by a werewolf-man, Amos Calloway.
During the opening show, Karl gets himself a new career at the circus, and Edward catches a glimpse of his future wife. Calloway who knows the girl, agrees to give Edward information about the girl, at the end of each month. Edward however, would have to spend that month working at the circus. Fearless and determined, Edward begins work. He cleans elephant shit, bathes circus freaks, and places his head inside the mouth of ferocious lions. He knew how he was going to die, and so he had nothing to fear. Eventually succeeding at charming Calloway also, he finds Sandra Templeton. As in most love stories, Edward and Sandra get together, despite hurdles like the angry fiance. After the wedding, Edward is called to fight the war. Determined to get back to Sandra, he arrives at a plan. With the aid of twin sisters fused together in one body, he escapes. Pressumed dead by the army, he takes on the job of a travelling salesman. During the course of this career, he is re-united with poet laureate Norther Winslow, who he met in the pretty little town from the past. Winslow who has now taken to robbing banks, takes Edward’s advice and turns towards Wall Street. Successful and rich, he later helps Edward buy and restore the little town they both left behind in the past. In the town, Edward is also re-united with a much older Jenny, who lives in a crooked house with cats, nursing her love for Edward.
Despite all these elaborate stories, and special characters, Edward’s favorite one was of the big fish he caught, during the time his son was being delivered. Reality was a lot different; mundane and uneventful. But noone really minded, except for Will Bloom, who wanted the truth, minus the elaborate fantasies. Tim Burton uses a lot of flashback in the film. We’re repeatedly taken in and out of Edward’s fantasy world. Towards the end, as he approaches death, his last fantasy with regard to his death is fulfiled. Will fulfils his father’s dream, by giving him the most peaceful and joyous end. You just have to see the movie to understand just how special it is.
The star is Tim Burton, for bringing alive this heartwarming tale, and for creating some of the most lovable characters. Burton is supported by a huge starcast, with actors like Ewan McGregor and Albert Finney (as the young and old Edward Bloom), Jessica Lange (as Sandra Templeton Bloom), Helena Bonham Carter (as Jenny and the Witch), Steve Buscemi (as Norther Winslow), and Danny DeVito (as Amos Calloway) among others. A definite must-see!