Cinema - Big Fish (PG)

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Friday 30th Jan 2004.

In telling the story of my father's life, it's impossible to separate fact from the fiction, the man from the myth. The best that I can do is tell it the way he told me... it doesn't always make sense, but that's what kind of story this is."

Will Bloom (Crudup) has spent his entire life listening to his father Edward (Finney) regale family and friends with his mythical exploits as a less than ordinary young man (played in flashback by McGregor).

These epic adventures incorporate a rogue's gallery of freaks and misfits such as a kind-hearted giant called Karl, a werewolf and conjoined Korean lounge singers.

Edward's tall tales never fail to delight his adoring wife Sandra (Lange) but Will has grown weary of the elaborate fantasies and believes his old man to be a liar and a fraud.

When Edward falls gravely ill, Will is now drawn back to the family homestead, where he hopes to settle his differences with his dad.

In the process, Will discovers the truth behind the fairy-tales and finally understands the importance of family.

Big Fish is a stunning fable about dysfunctional families and miscommunication between the generations, imbued with director Tim Burton's trademark offbeat sense of humour and quirky visual styling.

The film looks stunning, particularly the fantasy flashbacks in which the young Edward travels halfway across the world, meeting colourful characters like an enchanted witch (Bonham Carter) and a conniving circus ringmaster (Danny DeVito).

The plot glides back and forth in time, always returning to the present day where Will wrestles with his distrust of everything that issues from his father's lips.

Their estrangement melts gradually in some beautifully written interludes, culminating in a hospital bed scene that unleashes a tidal wave of emotion.

Performances are excellent, ranging from Finney's cantankerous old coot and Lange's smitten spouse to Crudup's distraught prodigal son.

McGregor radiates charm but his strangled attempts at a Southern accent are woefully inadequate.

Big Fish is the finest film of Tim Burton's illustrious career ­ a parable for our times about holding onto our dreams, regardless of what anybody else may think.

OUT! rating: 9 out of 10

Film writer Stephen Webb reviews BIG FISH

Starring: Albert Finney, Ewan McGregor, Jessica Lange, Alison Lohman, Billy Crudup, Helena Bonham Carter

Director: Tim Burton

Certificate: PG

Running time: 124 mins

Showing from today at: UGC and Cineworld, Swindon

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