Narrative in Big Fish

Abstract: A 3 page essay that discusses the use of narrative in the film Big Fish (directed by Tim Burton, Columbia Pictures, 2003). This is the story of Edward Bloom (played in his youth by Ewan McGregor and in old age by Albert Finney). Bloom's son Will (Billy Crudup) has grown up with the elaborate tall tales that his father weaves about the years before Will was born. Everyone finds these stories to be entertaining except Will who would like to connect with the truth before Bloom dies of cancer. The film is told in flashbacks which show how Bloom views the fantastical stories that he weaves. Rather than lies, which is how Will perceives his father's stories at the beginning of the picture, the structure of the film serves to demonstrate the role of narrative in human life and it is a lesson that Will learns in time to participate with his father in the process of storytelling before his death. Bibliography lists 1 source.

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Catagory: Film & Television

Subcatagory: Music, Film, Television, Theater & Photography

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