I'm having a really hard time ranking this movie among movies I've seen this year. I think it could be the best movie of 2003, but I'm still flaking on it. Big Fish is a story of stories. A man tells his life story to his son, (and anybody else who will listen), using wild outrageous anecdotes that people are convinced aren't true. When his son grows up, he is angered because he doesn't know anything about the true life of his father, only made up tales. When he confronts his father, he learns something that will surprise him. And surprise me! Tim Burton directs, so you know it's going to be quirky, and either brilliant or horrifically bad. Ewan MacGregor is amazing as usual, and the supporting cast isn't bad. It was really freaky how Alison Lohman looks so much like a young Jessica Lange. Visuals are amazing, and the movie really entertains the hell out of you. As you might imagine, the cohesiveness and pacing of the plot is a little off, but that he accomplished putting together what he did, weaving past and present nearly seamlessly, is amazing. There are hints of Forrest Gump, even a nod to Edward Scissorhands, but the movie feels very original, and the ending is awesome. Definitely up there for movie of the year. A-
I saw it.. it was pretty good for one of those brain movies where you have to figure out whats going on and stuff.. wo0o0o
Did not like it. YMMV. The pacing and plot issues you mentioned just turned me off too much. The visual stylistics and usual Burton stuff was nice to look at.
I loved it but admit it did have pacing issues. That and I had a hard time liking him as an old man. Also i didn't like the part with the screaming baby....oh that was just MY theatre I guess...
Any of you guys catch the song when the credits started? Just curious, it's written and sung by Eddie Vedder- 'Man of the Hour'... haven't gotten a chance to hear it yet, but I think it's up for a Golden Globe.
