Big Fish is the very first Tim Burton movie that I actually enjoyed. It takes an old story, that of a son trying to reconcile with his dying father, and tells it with a new twist, using tall tales to explore life and how we choose to live it. The cast all turn in fine performances, the visuals, as you would expect in a Burton film, are excellent, and the emotional moments manage to sidestep the twin puddles of melodrama and sappiness.
Billy Crudup plays William Bloom, son to Edward Bloom who is played by Albert Finney as an old man, and Ewan McGregor in flashbacks. William is embarrassed by and tired of his father's long-winded and fanciful tales. When his father dominates his wedding reception with stories of his past, they get into an argument that results in them not speaking to each other for three years. When William's mother (the still beautiful Jessica Lange), calls to tell him that his father is dying, William returns to his father's bedside in an attempt to make peace with him.
Edward relates his life story to his son and his daughter-in-law in a series of flashbacks. All of his stories are exaggerated and colorful. They involve witches, giants, secret military assignments, and other assorted odd characters and locations. By looking through the stories and learning some truths, William begins to understand his father.
Throughout all the tall tales and Burton's trademark visuals, what keeps the movie grounded are the performances of the cast, particularly Albert Finney. He captures the spirit of a man who sees life through his own warped lenses perfectly. McGregor also does well as the younger Edward, playing a modern Pecos Bill/Paul Bunyan. He's the idealized version of Edward, and how Edward sees himself.
Funny and emotional, Big Fish accomplished what I didn't think was possible. I actually enjoyed a Tim Burton film. By making the humanity of his characters the most important aspect, without weakening the visuals, he has created his best work.
