Big Fish (2003)

Starring Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, and Jessica Lange.  Cinematography by Philippe Rousselot. Edited by Chris Lebenzon.  Produced by Bruce Cohen, Dan Jinks, and Richard D. Zanuck.  Written by Daniel Wallace. Directed by Tim Burton.

Big Fish is the story of a young man (played by Billy Crudup) trying to piece together the puzzle that is his dying father’s (played by Albert Finney) life.  All he has to work with is his father’s wildly exaggerated tales, a few trinkets and documents stored in the garage, and a few first hand accounts he gathers along the way. The story is told in the present time with equal attention being paid to the elaborate flashbacks as recalled by the father (with a younger version played by Ewan McGregor).  We as the audience, along with the investigating son, learn to determine what is real and what are embellishments in this incredible man’s fading life.

The film is based on the novel by John August and is based on the author’s experiences with is own father. The film project was at one time on Steven Spielberg’s to-do list, but his busy schedule prevented him from further pursing it.  When Burton got his hands on the script, one of the things that appealed to him was that it seamlessly transitions from a fairy tale to a family drama and back.  The opportunity to tread on familiar ground with the quirky flashback sequences, and explore new territory with the family drama was his big selling point on taking the project. He had the chance to be real and unreal at the same time.

Big Fish is the best thing from Tim Burton since Ed Wood.  It allows you to become totally emotionally invested in the characters.  It also shows that reality is a matter of perception. Is it important that the tall tales don’t match the actual situations? If you come away a better or stronger or more caring person, what difference does it make if your version is different from someone else’s?  Big Fish is fantastic.

Budget: $70,000,000

Total US Gross: $66,432,867

Genre: Fantasy

Runtime: 125 Minutes

US Release Date: 12/25/03

Aspect Ratio:  1.85:1 (intended ratio)

Awards:

Academy Awards: 
Nominated for best original score.

Golden Globes: 
Nominated for best original score, original song, supporting actor, and musical or comedy.

Tagline: An Adventure As Big As Life Itself.

Quote: “Dad, you're like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny combined. You're just as charming, and just as fake.”