The film doesn't so much reject history as selectively rewrite it to its own reactionary, even offensive ends. This might perhaps be just about tolerable were the film funny, illuminating, insightful or moving. It is not.
Big Fish
An adventure as big as life itself.
2003 · 2h 5m · PG-13
Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Directed by
Tim Burton
Overview
Throughout his life Edward Bloom has always been a man of big appetites, enormous passions and tall tales. In his later years, he remains a huge mystery to his son, William. Now, to get to know the real man, Will begins piecing together a true picture of his father from flashbacks of his amazing adventures.
Director and cast
- Tim Burton Director
- Ewan McGregor as Younger Ed Bloom
- Albert Finney as Older Ed Bloom
- Billy Crudup as Will Bloom
- Jessica Lange as Older Sandra Bloom
- Helena Bonham Carter as Younger & Older Jenny/The Witch
- Alison Lohman as Younger Sandra Bloom
- Robert Guillaume Cast
- Marion Cotillard Cast
- Matthew McGrory Cast
- David Denman Cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
Overall, the film feels like it issues from a place Burton doesn't inhabit.
Burton shows the rivalry between father and son but not the rancor, which seems to fit with the film's calm lyricism. But the father-son conflict is meant as the dramatic crux, and a forceful actor would have given it some much-needed bite.
A compelling look at the relationships between fathers and sons, and the child coming to terms with the parent's mortality.
A long-winded indulgence in tear-and-a-smile whimsy.
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