Big Fish: Real or Fairy Tale? Jan18 '04

Rising at 6 or 7 on a Saturday morning, and then attempting to see a movie at 10:10 on that same Saturday night is a recipe for disaster. At around midnight, when the movie was almost over, my eyes gained so much weight that I worried a deep slumber might fill me through. Luckily I was able to stay awake. And I am sure glad I did.

Big Fish lit the giant screen in front of us last night, and also featured a giant, named Carl, who offered calming reassurance, yet desperate confusion.

Let me back up a moment. For those of you who have seen this movie, please help with some explanations. I will tell you what I understand, as opposed to what I found confusing. Hopefully some light will be shed.

For those of you who haven’t seen the movie, I suggest you stop reading this entry. I, or others, may spoil some things, and you certainly should see it in the movie theatres yourself. After you see it, please come back and feel free to comment.

First off, the movie was amazing. Without a flicker of cheap thrill, self–interest, or suffocating gags, the characters and story literally grabbed a hold of you, and kept you comfortable throughout. As we were walking out of the theatre, I said to Michelle, "I felt like I’ve seen that before." The whole idea behind the movie felt extremely familiar and peaceful. I felt like I was part of the movie, playing a role, and chasing a dream. The characters were warm and inviting, the story line magnificent, and the day after I still can’t get it out of my head. It was brilliance, indeed.

But as all great works of art bring peace and understanding, they also carry with them slight confusion, or unanswerable questions.

Here are some questions I have upon seeing it for the first time:

• The metaphors swirled through this movie as often as the candy popped into my mouth. I understand the fish metaphor, or think I do. The father was the "big fish," correct? That much is obvious. But something tells me that’s not where the metaphor ends.
• What was with some of the strange characters? Were they there just to add subtle silly–ness, or did they also serve as a metaphor? Carl, the giant, was brought out of his home, and into the world, by the father (in his younger years). But was Carl real? And what purpose did Carl serve within the story line? Don’t get me wrong – he FIT within the story line, but I still can’t figure out why.
• I think this question was answered in the movie, but I forgot the answer, or don’t understand it. How could the father (Ed Bloom) have approached the witch (at her house) when he was a young boy, and then have an affair with the witch when he was older? And then he re–built her house. And then she came to his funeral. I’m lost here. The whole timeline thing is really confusing me.
• What was Spectre? I know it was a town, but how? And why did the people surround Ed and love him so much? And why did they look like ghosts?

(Thinking) I suppose... I suppose you can chalk all my questions up to the imagination. And in truth, yes, I shouldn’t be asking all these questions. I should just enjoy the movie for what it is. But these are obvious things that struck me as I watched.

Maybe I missed some key facts that could help explain things. Whatever the case may be, I would love to go and see it again, but this time when I’m well rested! It is one movie that I would actually consider seeing twice in the theatres, and still buy the DVD!

Categories: Movies

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