Big Fish Movie Review

I'm surprised that this wasn't my maiden post; the "Big Fish" movie remains one of my all-time favorites. I enjoy big-screen flicks that evoke a sense of familiarity and childlike wonder, encouraging us to embrace the unknown. That's how I would summarize Tim Burton's 2003 fantasy drama, "Big Fish."

These are my thoughts and fond memories about the screen adaptation of Daniel Wallace's "Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions," published in 1998. 

And a SPOILER alert is now in effect. 

Big Fish Movie Summary

"Big Fish," the movie, takes us on a journey along with William Bloom, who discovers the truth about his father, Edward's, fanciful tales. Will falls out with his old man, who decides to bring up one of his tall tales on his wedding day.

Three years down the line, Edward is bedridden after a cancer diagnosis. Will and his wife, Joséphine, who is heavily pregnant, reconnect with Edward in Alabama. 

While recounting some of his incredible tales to Josephine, as viewers, we learn more about his fanciful stories through flashbacks. Edward's childhood encounter with a witch foreshadows his demise, but the revelation doesn't faze him. 

As an adult, Edward leaves home to explore the world. He encounters the "Big Fish movie giant," and they start traveling together. They come to a literal "fork in the road," which separates them as each chooses a different path. It turns out that Edward chose the more treacherous road, one less traveled, traversing a swamp, only to end up in a hidden town called Spectre. 

Edward befriends Norther Winslow, a poet, and Jenny, the mayor's daughter. Edward soon leaves Spectre, struck by a jolt of wanderlust and feeling like he isn't ready to settle down but rather, to explore what the rest of the world has to offer. However, he promises Jenny that he will return. 

As Edward continues telling his tales, Will decides to investigate whether any of his stories hold water.  He encounters Jenny, who is now grown up, and she tells Will about how Edward saved Spectre from bankruptcy, rebuilding it with help from the friends he made during his stint at the circus. 

Unfortunately, Edward has a stroke and is hospitalized, unable to speak. He asks Will to retell the account of how his life ends. Instead, Will tells an incredible tale of himself and his old man braving a daring escape from the hospital.

They reach the banks of a lake, the one seen on the "Big Fish" movie poster, reuniting with everyone Edward had brushed shoulders with through his stories. Will carries Edward into the river, and his old man transforms into a huge catfish. He then proceeds to swim away.

Content with Will's story, Edward dies peacefully. During his funeral, to Will and Joséphine's surprise, people from Edward's tales, although appearing less incredible than described, turn up to pay their last respects. 

Will carries on the tradition, later narrating Edward's tales to his sons. 

The Big Fish Movie Cast

The "Big Fish" movie characters are, in every sense, what make the riveting tale more memorable. 

The "Big Fish" movie trailer is the best introduction to the star-studded cast, featuring Ewan McGregor as the young Edward Bloom, Albert Finney as the older Edward Bloom, and Billy Crudup as Edward's son, Will.

Helena Bonham Carter iconically portrays three roles: the young and older versions of Jenny and the Witch. Jessica Lange did an excellent job of embodying the older version of Sandea Bloom, while Alison Lohman portrayed the younger version. 

Marion Cotillard portrayed Joséphine, and Matthew McGrory did an exceptional job as Karl the Giant. 

Danny DeVito personified Amos Calloway, the comedic circus ringmaster, who, alongside a wondrous troop, turned up for Will's send-off. 

Big Fish Movie Meaning

I'll admit to writing this at a point in my life when I am struggling in every imaginable way. However, diving back into my "Big Fish" movie analysis reminds me why I started this website in the first place: to share summaries, fun tidbits, and all the things I love about great movies similar to "Big Fish."

It reminds us that we are all connected in a way. The people we meet along the road called life do have a role in shaping our future, whether through changed perceptions, emotional support, or simply as the tough lessons we need to learn. 

There is much more depth when you dissect the movie scene by scene, but I am compelled to relate it to my present existence. Edward reminds me to keep recounting stories about the wonderful movies I have watched. If anything, they (movies and writing) provide an escape from my troubles. 

You can relate it to your personal experience as well.

Fun Facts about Big Fish

Among the list of prestigious Big Fish movie awards and accolades are four Golden Globe nominations and an Academy Award nomination for best original score. And if you are wondering if there are any behind-the-scenes tidbits or fun facts you should know about the movie, here are a few:

A real Alabama island, Jackson Island, was the backdrop for conjuring the town of Spectre. Once filming wrapped, the set stayed in place for several years, serving as a fun walkable roadside attraction.

It took a combination of thousands of artificial and real flowers to conjure the daffodil fields scene. 

The circus scenes came to life thanks to practical effects, rather than using CGI.

Movies Like Big Fish

Jonesing for an asian movie with Big Fish or a "Big Fish" animated movie, like "Big Fish and Begonia movie?" Well, there are several options out there, and here are a few movies similar to "Big Fish" that should be on your watchlist: 

"Forrest Gump" draws several parallels with "Big Fish." Both protagonists live through extraordinary events. They also use personal narrative in their storytelling.

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" is another movie long due for a review here. It's a reflective story examining life, memory, and time through a fantastical lens. 

The "Life of Pi" makes viewers question what is reality and fiction, leaving it open for each viewer to decide which version they prefer.

Big Fish Summary

Ed Bloom teaches us one thing: stories endure, while facts fade. Ed is ultimately the "Big Fish," larger than life, elusive, and perhaps, impossible to contain. We are all heroes in our personal tales, and watching Burton's epic film should remind you to hold onto the possibilities.