Big Fish (2003)

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A web-like tapestry woven of stories both real and exaggerated, Big Fish is the story of Edward Bloom and those who love him. Even if he doesn’t always believe every word he says, for Edward it’s all in the telling.

As an eight-year old confined to bed because of a preternatural growing spurt, Edward occupies himself by reading the entire World Book Encyclopedia. He is taken in particular with an article about goldfish, in which he learns that "if goldfish are kept in a small bowl, they will remain small. With more space, the fish can double, triple or quadruple its size."

Ten years later, after becoming one of the most popular young men in Ashton, Alabama, he realizes that, like the goldfish, in order for him to grow he must leave home and explore the world. As he confides to his new friend Karl the Giant, "You think this town is too small for you? Well, it’s too small for a man of my ambition. I love every square inch of it. But I can feel the edges closing in on me. A man’s life can only grow to a certain size in a place like this."

And thus, an improbable and mythic journey begins.

Many years and countless adventures later, Bloom (Albert Finney) is well known as a teller

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Behind the Scenes: Read more about the production About The Production Fish Tales Location Costumes The Sound Of The South

Download Movie Script For entertainment and informational purposes only. Final Production Draft (by John August (based on the novel by Daniel Wallace)) [PDF] movie script (by John August (based on the novel by Daniel Wallace)) movie script (by John August (based on the novel by Daniel Wallace))

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External Reviews

Big Fish is a little too uneven to attain the same level as something like The Wizard of Oz or The Princess Bride, but it's in the same general vicinity. There's a sense that a few dead spots could have been eliminated and the whole project tightened up,but those are relatively minor quibbles. Big Fish is a clever, smart fantasy that targets the child inside every adult, without insulting the intelligence of either. 

When Burton gives himself the guidance and anchor of a story, he can be quite remarkable. When he doesn't, we admire his visual imagination and skillful techniques, but isn't this doodling of a very high order, while he waits for a purpose to reveal itself? 2.2/4

--ROGER EBERT (Chicago Sun-Times)

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With hit-and-miss success, fantasy maestro Tim Burton fuses live-action cartoon and father-son drama in "Big Fish." Chief among the pic's delights is Albert Finney in the central role, a man whose life has been defined by amazing adventures--or a rich imagination. The high-sheen adaptation of the novel by Daniel Wallace, however choppy, delivers a lovely payoff. 

-- (ReelViews)

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Tim Burton's latest whimsical holiday treacle features Albert Finney and Ewan McGregor in a saga of a tall-tale-spinnin' Southerner who won't shut up.

-- (Salon)

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But its real flaw -- this turns it into an ordeal -- is the almost total lack of suspense. Nothing is ever at stake; there's no reason to go on watching; no audience expectation is met. It's more like random scenes from life than it is a coherently imagined story.

--Stephen Hunter

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A highly original story--part fantasy, part family drama--and very high production values, courtesy of one of cinema's most original directors and his team, makes Tim Burton's Big Fish a good catch. 

--Leigh Johnson (Hollywood.com)

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But its real flaw -- this turns it into an ordeal -- is the almost total lack of suspense. Nothing is ever at stake; there's no reason to go on watching; no audience expectation is met. It's more like random scenes from life than it is a coherently imagined story.

--Stephen Hunter (Washington Post)

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I was pleased that Burton had taken what could’ve essentially just been a chick flick and turned it into a universally attractive fable. B

--Lee Tistaert (Lee's Movie Info)

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Unlike “Scissorhands,” the mythmaking in “Fish” doesn’t find a dreamlike balance with reality in the end, and the lack of a focal point for the story ends up taking the sting out of the climatic catharsis. “Big Fish” is better as a toned down, return to form Tim Burton film than a regular feature, and should be appreciated just as such. B+

--Brian Orndorf (FilmJerk.com)

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In a lesser director’s hands, "Big Fish" could have played as a cross between an after school special and a made-for-TV movie. Instead, we get Oscar-worthy material that should resonate in viewer’s minds for a long time to come.

--Edward Havens (FilmJerk.com)

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Storytelling doesn't match cinematography in Tim Burton's latest

--Ron Weiskind (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

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“Big Fish” is a rare gem that challenges the boundaries of storytelling. It is not for everyone. Only for the unforgiving conjurers of the unbarring imagination. 9/10

--Oktay Ege Kozak (Movie-Vault.com)

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Though it's not quite his best work, Big Fish does mark Tim Burton's most accomplished and (for lack of a better word) adult movie to date. 

--David Nusair (Reel Film Reviews)

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A whimsical masterpiece of imagination that taps into our long forgotten love of the surreal. An emotionally resonating realistic fantasy sure to be one of the years best films. 

--Derek May (MovieWeb)

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Directed by

Tim Burton Sleepy Hollow, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Batman

Cast

Ewan McGregor Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones Albert Finney Traffic, Ocean's Twelve, Erin Brockovich Billy Crudup Almost Famous, Mission: Impossible III, Sleepers Jessica Lange Cape Fear, Tootsie, Rob Roy Helena Bonham Carter Fight Club, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Planet of the Apes Alison Lohman Matchstick Men, The Thirteenth Floor, White Oleander Marion Cotillard A Very Long Engagement, Taxi, Taxi 2 [more]

Music By

Danny Elfman Good Will Hunting, Spider-Man 2, Men in Black

It is rare to find a film that not only improves upon the book of its origin, but somehow seems to complete it, as if the short novella by Daniel Wallace which first began Big Fish was only the smallest part of its intention.  --Christopher Monfette (MovieWeb) The fantasy aspect of the story was very nearly perfect, unfortunately the constant interruptions end up dragging the film down.  --Carl Lazarevic (MovieWeb) Big Fish” is definitely entertaining and well crafted, and there are a few killer moments, but not as many a one would hope for. Still, warts and all, this shows us a Tim Burton who remains an original.  --Kevin N. Laforest (Montreal Film Journal) Proof that a top-notch cast can do little to help a poorly written and unorganized script, this is one of the biggest disappointments among the major 2003 releases. 60/100 --Derek Smith (Apollo Guide) The movie has a great deal of charm and several good performances, but it is the son's judgmental doggedness that sets the story in motion and leads to its mawkish conclusion.  --Jack Mathews (New York Daily News) The film didn't move or surprise me per se, but it's definitely a solid addition to Mr. Burton's impressive resume and should fulfill all those who adore him. 7/10 --'JoBlo' (JoBlo.com)

Wallpapers

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