Big Fish

Tension: Will he reconcile with his father? Will he get Sandra? Will he survive? Will he ever settle down? Where will his adventures take him next? Is any of this true? Theme: Truth vs fantasy isn’t as important as if it brings people closer together or father apart. Writing: Lots of great writing and humor in this one. Yes, there were a few strike-worthy problems in this movie that probably weren’t always best comedically (“English to Asian”, asians being ninjas, girls job being in the kitchen, lovebombing aka thinking you can win a girl), but there was still a lot to learn, and this was such a wholesome movie. Some fun commentary on the economic state of America, especially after robbing the bank and that poet becoming a Wall Street trader later. I loved the ending scene that’s made up in his head. And how he ends up telling his own kids those stories not worrying about what was exactly true or not. It was a very interesting concept to start with how you would act the rest of your life if you knew how you were going to die. And I liked how there were some mini morals like things that seem evil and scary are usually just lonely and misunderstood. Also Danny Devito being a werewolf will always be crazy. Acting: I loved the acting in this movie, especially Ewans and Helena Bonham Carter or whatever her name was. And it makes you feel something at the end with the father and son. You can feel the depth of their love vs tension, the conflict of being right and wrong and whether or not that matters. Also Dan who is also Roy in the office REALLY gets typecast lol. Poor guy. Cinematography: I loved the shot with the dafodil fields. And the shot in Centre with the shoes hanging, the contrast of the town before, after, and even later. The night scenes were very mystical (and misty). Production Design: The car in the water was the only one that really struggled here I’d say. There were so many amazing sets. And wow, a huge job for production with giants, spiders, crazy props, fires, water, circus animals, airplanes, and just about anything else you could imagine. Sound: I think I remember really liking the soundtrack, a unique mix of tunes. I want to go back and listen to this one. Editing: Very non-linear, even the flashbacks sometimes would take a step back in time. And it somehow all worked and made sense without being confusing.