Tim Burton became a benchmark in modern cinema thanks to his fantastic films with a unique gothic aesthetic and a sensitivity towards the strange, bizarre, and unconventional. That said, although titles like Edward Scissorhands and Sweeney Todd are timeless movies that became Burton’s personal signature, the film furthest from his style is a masterpiece that works at any time.
Even after 23 years, among Burton’s dozens of films, there may not be one more relevant at some point in viewers’ lives and perfect for rewatching than Big Fish. An adaptation of Daniel Wallace’s novel Big Fish, it is Burton’s most joyous film, with a nostalgic, moving, and deeply charming story that explores the relationship between father and son.
Big Fish Is One of Tim Burton’s Greatest Films of All Time
Premiering in 2003, Big Fish received positive reviews from critics, getting a 76% on Rotten Tomatoes and becoming one of Tim Burton’s best-rated films. It follows Will, a journalist estranged from his father, Edward, fed up with his ridiculous stories. Upon returning to his parents’ house after learning that his father is ill, Will is driven to discover the truth about him.
Although its premise may not seem anything out of the ordinary or too tame for a Burton movie, Big Fish is a journey full of fantasy that blurs the line between reality and imagination. The film is a spectacle of magical realism, recounting Edward’s experiences through an enchanting lens.
The film is also packed with Tim Burton-esque scenes and characters, featuring some of the director’s favorite actors, Danny DeVito and Helena Bonham Carter. However, the most outstanding aspect of Big Fish is not only its incredible cinematography and sound design that doesn’t age, but also the subtlety of its scenes that manage to pull the heartstrings of viewers.
Big Fish Is an Emotional Story Full of Metaphors To Discover
Viewers will find many metaphors integrated throughout the film, leaving them wondering what the truth is or what really happened. Although some could be easy to spot, others could be as difficult to catch as the big fish. This makes Big Fish enjoyable to rewatch, feeling as fresh as if you were watching it for the first time.
Big Fish has especially touching scenes that have become iconic, with one of the best depictions of the moment people fall in love. It also invites viewers to reflect on life itself, such as how people would live if they had encountered a witch whose eye showed them the moment of their death.
However, Big Fish not only shows the bond between father and son and the importance of family ties, but also makes the viewer think about whether people should stop dreaming or imagining, themes that anyone can easily relate to.
Currently streaming on Prime Video and Apple TV, Big Fish is very different from the rest of Tim Burton’s works, but it is a whimsical and magical story that is sure to surprise viewers and a timeless masterpiece that feels as relevant today as it did more than two decades ago.
- Release Date
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December 25, 2003
- Runtime
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125 minutes
- Writers
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Daniel Wallace, John August
- Producers
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Arne Schmidt, Bruce Cohen, Dan Jinks