What is the plot of Big Fish?
What is the story of the big fish? When Edward Bloom (Albert Finney) becomes ill, his son, William (Billy Crudup), travels to be with him. William has a strained relationship with Edward because his father has always told exaggerated stories about his life, and William thinks hes never really told the truth.
Who are the main characters in Big Fish?
Edward is the main character in the film and somewhat of a Baron Munchausen figure. Like the character from that German story, Bloom tells grandiose stories about his life in order to make his biography more compelling and exciting. As per the film's title, Edward is a big fish in a small pond, bravely defying the odds and dreaming big.
What is a Big Fish Story?
Big Fish is the type of story that uses and combines a wide variety of narrations and incidents. It is the life story of Edward Bloom. The last name is a metaphor right off the bat. Bloom is exactly what Edward does, just like a flower. He is born, he reaches the height of his splendor, and then, little by little, he withers.
Do small fish eat less than Big Fish?
When big fish eat smaller fish, it’s because that’s where they fit in the food chain. All big fish don’t eat other fish however. Many large fish eat other food such as seaweed or crabs etc. Originally Answered: Why do big fishes eat small fishes?
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What is the message of Big Fish?
Themes. Big Fish is about what's real and what's fantastic, what's true and what's not true, what's partially true and how, in the end, it's all true. The reconciliation of the father-son relationship between Edward and William is the key theme in Big Fish.
What is the storyline of Big Fish?
When Edward Bloom (Albert Finney) becomes ill, his son, William (Billy Crudup), travels to be with him. William has a strained relationship with Edward because his father has always told exaggerated stories about his life, and William thinks he's never really told the truth. Even on his deathbed, Edward recounts fantastical anecdotes. When William, who is a journalist, starts to investigate his father's tales, he begins to understand the man and his penchant for storytelling.Big Fish / Film synopsis
What happens in the end of Big Fish?
Once in the water, Edward literally becomes “a really big fish” and swims away for good. Smiling, he passes away peacefully in bed. Spielberg couldn't have done it better. This final sequence is simultaneously joyous and tear-jerking, and finally comes around to reconciling the duelling perspectives of father and son.
Are the conjoined twins in Big Fish real?
Ada and Arlene Tai (Ping and Jing) are twins, but they are not conjoined. For their role as conjoined twins, they were attached at the hip and waist with a metal corset-like contraption to fit into the custom dress made for their stage performance.
Is the giant in Big Fish real?
Although Matthew McGrory, who played Karl the Giant, was 7 feet, 6 inches tall, he was made to look about 12 feet tall in "Big Fish" through camera trickery. In reality, he was 5 feet tall when he finished kindergarten. He held Guinness records for World's Tallest Actor and World's Longest Feet at size 29.5.
Is Big Fish a sad movie?
At the heart of Big Fish is a very sad story of a man who doesn't understand his father until it's too late. But Burton almost never burdens us with such sobriety.
What does Spectre represent in Big Fish?
Spectre (Symbol) While Spectre is a symbol for an almost heavenly place, where all desires are met, it is also—as Edward soon finds out—symbolic of the complacency of such a heavenly place.
What year is Big Fish set in?
Edward Bloom's "story" is set in a nostalgic, idealized amalgamation of the 1940s-1970s, so strict chronological and factual accuracy is not required.
What does Spectre represent in Big Fish?
Spectre (Symbol) While Spectre is a symbol for an almost heavenly place, where all desires are met, it is also—as Edward soon finds out—symbolic of the complacency of such a heavenly place.
Will they bloom in Big Fish?
William Bloom, Edward's son, is the story's narrator and one its two protagonists. While coming to terms with Edward's impending death, William narrates the story of his father's life as a series of metaphorical adventures that position Edward as a larger-than-life hero.
Is Big Fish based on the Odyssey?
The book draws elements from the epic poem the Odyssey and James Joyce's Ulysses.
Why Big Fish is a great movie?
Whimsical without being twee, freewheeling without being messy, moving without being schmaltzy, Big Fish aligns Burton's visual virtuosity and offbeat sensibility to a story that, for once, has more than one foot in the real world. It's a charming piece of witty, warm-hearted filmmaking.
Who is the author of Big Fish?
Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions, a novel by Daniel Wallace, presents the story of the life of Edward Bloom, as told and retold by his son, William. William recounts Edward’s life as Edward lays dying of an unnamed terminal illness. The truth of Edward's past has always eluded William, as his father's anecdotes tend toward the unbelievable, and he seems incapable of being serious. Using tall tales, dreams, and allusions to Greek mythology and classics, like The Odyssey, William reconstructs Edward's life, and in doing so, explores themes of mortality, fatherhood, and storytelling.
What does William say about his father's death?
In all but William's final imagining of his father's death, William expresses that he wishes he had known his father better. Over the course of telling his father's story, though, William comes to terms with both who his father was as a man and his imminent death.
What is Edward's business after marrying William's mother?
Being in one place for too long depresses Edward, so, after marrying William's mother, Sandra, he builds a successful business for himself as a traveling salesman. He travels the world over, making friends and having adventures along the way. No matter where he goes, he makes a big impression.
What does William recount about Edward?
William recounts Edward’s life as Edward lays dying of an unnamed terminal illness. The truth of Edward's past has always eluded William, as his father's anecdotes tend toward the unbelievable, and he seems incapable of being serious.
What is William's favorite story about Edward's youth?
One of William’s favorite stories about Edward’s youth is the story of Karl the Giant. Karl is a strapping young boy with an immense appetite. When Karl is fourteen, he finds his way to Ashland and starts eating everything in sight. Edward seeks out Karl to resolve the situation.
Where does Edward find the boys in the book?
Edward finds the boys in an old barn, sitting around the glass eye. Edward convinces them to loan him the eye, though the gang leader warns Edward that if he doesn’t return the eye in the morning, they’ll gouge out of Edward’s eyes. Edward is terrified and stays up all night wondering what to do.
What does Edward say about missing a lot of William's life?
Back in the present, William goes in to the guest room, and Edward says he feels bad for missing a lot of William’s life. Edward explains that he wanted to be a great man, a big fish in a big pond.
Where is Edward from in the book?
William begins narrating the story of his father’s life. Edward is born during a drought in Ashland , Alabama, at precisely the same time as a colossal thunderstorm erupts. Growing up, Edward has a way with animals. It seems like he can communicate with them, and they follow him around. When Edward is nine, a huge snowstorm blankets Alabama and buries Edward’s house. He sleeps in a tree and walks by a man frozen in a block of ice on his way to school. Edward grows so quickly that his bones can’t keep up, and he’s confined to bed for a time. He uses the time to read every book in his hometown. William thinks that Edward is already a big fish.
What does William ask Edward in the guest room?
In the guest room, William asks Edward if he believes in God. Edward deflects with a joke. William is frustrated—he just wants Edward to be straight with him for once. Edward says he doesn’t know what he thinks about God and he’d rather share a joke than a bunch of doubts, because at least jokes make people laugh.
What is the Big Fish story about?
Big Fish is a modern fantasy story that shows us another way of seeing life, of accepting it. Each one of us is capable of doing extraordinary things if we manage to conquer our fears, leave our comfort zone, and carve our own path. “The more difficult something is, the more rewarding it is in the end.”.
What is the movie Big Fish about?
Big Fish is all color, light, and harmony. The movie is about the life of Edward Bloom and his relationship with his son, Will. Will lives in Paris with his pregnant wife. His relationship with his father deteriorated years ago and they communicate through his mother, Sandra.
What happens if you escape the fishbowl?
At the same time, leaving the fishbowl can be terrifying because we don’t know what’s out there.
What is the metaphor in Big Fish?
The metaphors in Big Fish. Big Fish is the type of story that uses and combines a wide variety of narrations and incidents. It is the life story of Edward Bloom. The last name is a metaphor right off the bat. Bloom is exactly what Edward does, just like a flower.
What is the fish in the movie?
The fish is the unifying thread in the movie that is there from beginning to end. It is the metaphor of Edward himself. When he was a child, he read about a fish that changed size depending on its surroundings. When free, it could triple in size.
Why does Big Fish leave unprotected?
In other words, he leaves unprotected because, in that moment, he will face the panic zone. At the end of our lives, we don’t need shoes anymore. We can settle in and leave them hanging on the wire. Big Fish is a modern fantasy story that shows us another way of seeing life, of accepting it.
What does Edward realize about his limitations?
Edward understands that he is like the fish and that his limitations in life are like the fishbowl. Edward realizes that in order to achieve his goals, he has to figure things out based on said limitations.
What is the movie Big Fish based on?
It is based on Daniel Wallace 's 1998 novel, Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions, and the 2003 film Big Fish written by John August and directed by Tim Burton . Big Fish revolves around the relationship between Edward Bloom, a travelling salesman, and his adult son Will, who looks for what is behind his father's tall stories.
Who wrote the musical Big Fish?
This article is about the Broadway musical. For other uses, see Big Fish. Big Fish is a musical with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and book by John August. It is based on Daniel Wallace 's 1998 novel, Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions, and the 2003 film Big Fish written by John August and directed by Tim Burton .
What are Will and Josephine looking for in Edward's old files?
Back in the present, Josephine and Will are looking through Edward's old files. Josephine is excitedly talking about Edward's stories while Will expresses his concern that his father will die and he will not know who he is. Josephine suggests that if he makes a list of his father's stories and each of their morals, he will learn what kind of a person his father really is. He begins listing some of them, but is interrupted when Josephine finds a deed to a house in Ashton signed by Jenny Hill and Edward. She thinks this proves that Edward must be telling the truth, but Will denies it and questions why the deed exists in the first place. However, Josephine's interest sparks a conversation of Edward and Sandra's meeting. While Will believes they met in college, Josephine explains that is not what Edward told her. Will asks which version of the story she was told, and there is another flashback: Edward has taken Karl to try out for a circus. When they get there, three girls are auditioning with their song and dance routine ("Little Lamb from Alabama"). Edward notices one of the girls, Sandra, and it is love at first sight ("Time Stops"). He convinces the ringmaster, Amos Calloway, to hire Karl, and then agrees to work for the circus for free in exchange for one clue about Sandra each month ("Closer to Her"). After three years of working at the circus, Edward asks why he will not tell him her name, and Amos says that "secrets are the backbone of society." Later that night, Edward finds Amos in his true form: a werewolf. Upon learning Amos' big secret, Edward finally convinces him to tell him what he wants to know. Her name is Sandra Templeton, she goes to Auburn University, and she loves daffodils.
What is Susan Stroman's big fish?
Despite the quality production values, Joe Dziemianowicz of the New York Daily News felt that Susan Stroman's dances were pedestrian, writing: " 'Big Fish' is a singing version of catch-and-release. It hooks you, then loses you — all night."
How many people are in Big Fish?
The 12-chair (12-person cast) version of Big Fish, licensed by Theatrical Rights Worldwide, was presented by Front Porch Theatricals in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for a sold-out seven-show run from August 18–27, 2017, at the New Hazlett Theater.
How does Edward teach him to catch fish?
So Edward teaches him that the proper way to catch fish is by doing the "Alabama Stomp", saying, "If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime. Teach a man the Alabama Stomp, you feed his soul!". The entire company joins them, and they catch many, many fish.
Where was Big Fish first performed?
The first regional production of Big Fish was presented by Jedlicka Performing Arts Center in Cicero, Illinois The production ran from July 29 through August 10, 2014. The second regional production was presented by Musical Theatre West at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, California (October 31 - November 16, 2014). This first production "west of the Mississippi" used sets (partial), costumes, and multi-media from the original Broadway production, purchased by MTW after the show closed at the end of 2013, and was directed by Larry Carpenter, choreographed by Peggy Hickey, and conducted by Matthew Smedal. Jeff Skowron led the cast as Edward Bloom. The 12-chair (12-person cast) version of Big Fish, licensed by Theatrical Rights Worldwide, was presented by Front Porch Theatricals in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for a sold-out seven-show run from August 18–27, 2017, at the New Hazlett Theater. This regional professional premiere starred Billy Hartung as Edward Bloom and Kristiann Menotiades as Sandra Bloom, and was directed by Spencer Whale, choreographed by Mara Newbery Greer, and music directed by Melissa Yanchak.
What is the dog in the story?
Dog is a metaphorical beast who guards the boundary between the comforts of home and the world at large. In one of the story’s metaphorical tales, Edward has to cross Dog’s path to leave Ashland… read analysis of Dog
What is Sandra's father's obsession with horses?
Sandra ’s father is senile and obsessed with horse riding. Edward and Sandra visit him to inform him of their marriage, but he forgets almost as soon as they tell him.
What is the name of the siren that Edward sees in the water?
River Girl. River girl is a metaphorical siren whom Edward sees from a distance in the water at several instances in the story. She represents hope, and emerges three times: first, in the place where Edward feels… read analysis of River Girl.
Who is Karl the Giant?
Karl the Giant. Karl is a metaphorical teenage giant who is perpetually hungry. Karl, who has been abandoned, wreaks havoc on Edward ’s home town of Ashland until Edward seeks him out and soothes him with empathy. Edward… read analysis of Karl the Giant.
Where does Edward's father live?
Edward ’s father is a man who lives through a drought in Alabama that ends when his son, Edward, is born.
What is the plot of Big Fish?
Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions, a 1998 novel written by Daniel Wallace, is set up as William learns his father, Edward, is dying of cancer . On his trip to see him, he recounts how he's going to talk to his dad and root out the truth of his past. He realizes that he needs to go spend time with him because he never really got to know his father. Although Edward loved and cared for his son, he never told him much about himself; instead, he was a joker and tended to answer questions enigmatically. Additionally, since his father was rarely home due to his import/export business, William just never had a chance to really get to know him, which ended up causing serious conflict between the two.
What is William's thoughts on his parents marriage?
William's thoughts on his parent's marriage never appear to be tainted. Although he has conflict with his father, his parent's love seems unchangeable in his eyes.
What does William do at the end of the story?
By the end of the story, we see that although William is struggling with the death of his father, he still loves the man he knew, no matter what his life was or whether he was the 'big fish' he always wanted to be. Edward asks his son for a favor before he passes: He wants to go back to Edward's Grove one more time, perhaps needing to go home before he passes. William helps his father and drives him to Edward's Grove where he helps his dad, always a stellar swimmer, into the river where he saved that sprite. Edward is then changed miraculously into a large fish. William essentially has cemented his father in his memory as a never-changing and never-dying mythical being, whom he loves.
