When discussing Tim Burton’s directorial efforts, titles like Beetlejuice, his Batman films, Edward Scissorhands, and Ed Wood frequently come up. Even The Nightmare Before Christmas, despite being directed by Henry Selick, often earns a mention. However, Big Fish, Burton's 2003 fantasy film about a father whose life story seems too fantastical to be true, is less commonly cited, a notable omission given its quality. The film is currently available to stream for free on YouTube and Tubi.
Big Fish centers on Will Bloom, played by Billy Crudup, who seeks to reconnect with his ailing, semi-estranged father, Edward (Albert Finney). Edward has spent his life recounting his younger days, portrayed in elaborate flashbacks by Ewan McGregor. These tales include encounters with an eleven-foot giant, conjoined twin singers, and a seven-foot catfish. As Will grapples with his father’s impending death, he yearns to understand the man behind the extraordinary narratives.
This narrative tension provides Big Fish with its emotional core, while its immediate charm stems from its engaging presentation. A significant part of this appeal lies in the dual performances of Edward. Though McGregor and Finney do not share a strong physical resemblance, they convincingly embody the same character at different stages of life.
McGregor’s portrayal of young Edward captures a kind, confident dreamer with an infectious charm, never appearing arrogant. His charisma draws people in, making it understandable why they would readily join him on adventures. Coming between the Star Wars prequels and Moulin Rouge!, this role effectively leverages McGregor's star power.
Albert Finney brings a different gravitas to the elder Edward. He possesses the warmth of a beloved uncle, always ready with another story, even if the details might be embellished. His storytelling, while sometimes ill-timed or even exhausting for his son, still reveals glimpses of the younger man McGregor portrays.
The film seamlessly transitions between these two iterations of Edward. His fantastical adventures provide Burton ample opportunity for imaginative detours, leaving the audience to ponder the reality of events like robbing a bank or working in a circus. The charm of these stories is captivating, even as Will's growing frustration with them becomes increasingly relatable.
The soundtrack complements the narrative with songs like Elvis Presley’s “All Shook Up,” Buddy Holly’s “Everyday,” and Canned Heat’s “Let’s Work Together,” underscoring Edward’s improbable life. This musical selection evokes a sense of jubilant exuberance, filtered through Burton's signature fairy-tale aesthetic.
Big Fish deviates from Burton's typical style
For extended periods, Big Fish might feel unlike a typical Tim Burton film, which could contribute to its being overlooked in discussions of his work. While his characteristic whimsy is present, the film's vibrant colors and bright, Southern settings largely eschew the shadowy, crooked architecture often associated with his style.
Edward himself represents a departure from Burton's usual character archetypes. He is not an isolated outsider dwelling in a gothic mansion; instead, he is outgoing, attractive, and popular, possessing an innate ability to charm nearly everyone he encounters. In a typical Burton narrative, such a character might serve as a smug antagonist, but here, his confidence is integral to the film's inviting fantasy.
Big Fish occupies an unusual position in Burton's filmography, released between the divisive Planet of the Apes and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Without a recognizable franchise or a gothic hero to anchor it in popular consciousness, Big Fish tends to fall by the wayside.
It is a film that merits greater recognition. Beyond its visual inventiveness, its greatest success lies in making the complex relationship between Edward and Will compelling and ultimately worth unraveling. Viewers can appreciate the father's stories while still understanding the son's need for something more profound from him.
The film culminates in a life-affirming conclusion that recontextualizes the preceding events. Without revealing specifics, the ending may prompt reflection on the storytellers within one's own family and the underlying messages they convey. This was certainly its effect on this writer.
Big Fish is currently available to stream for free on Tubi and YouTube.