Big Fish
Southern Gothic/Fantasy + Melancholy & Wonder + A giant fish swimming away into a golden sunset. A poignant exploration of a dying father's tall tales and a son's desperate search for the truth beneath the myths.
Big Fish
Big Fish

"An adventure as big as life itself."

04 December 2003 United States of America 125 min ⭐ 7.8 (7,576)
Director: Tim Burton
Cast: Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange, Helena Bonham Carter
Drama Fantasy Adventure
Storytelling vs. Reality Father-Son Reconciliation Mortality and Legacy Growth and Ambition
Budget: $70,000,000
Box Office: $123,200,000

Big Fish - Characters & Cast

Character Analysis

Edward Bloom

Ewan McGregor (Young) / Albert Finney (Old)

Archetype: The Charismatic Storyteller / The Hero
Key Trait: Unrelenting Optimism

Motivation

To live a life big enough to match his imagination and to leave a legacy that transcends his small-town origins.

Character Arc

Moves from an ambitious young man seeking adventure to a dying father trying to connect with his son through his only language: story. He remains consistent in his identity, forcing others to adjust to him.

Will Bloom

Billy Crudup

Archetype: The Skeptic / The Seeker
Key Trait: Pragmatism

Motivation

To find the 'real' father hidden behind the mask of tall tales.

Character Arc

Starts as a resentful realist demanding facts; ends by embracing the role of the storyteller, understanding that the 'lie' was a form of love.

Sandra Bloom

Alison Lohman (Young) / Jessica Lange (Old)

Archetype: The Soulmate / The Anchor
Key Trait: Unconditional Love

Motivation

To love Edward for who he is and to bridge the gap between father and son.

Character Arc

Remains the constant center of Edward's universe. She understands him better than Will does, accepting the magic he brings to her life without needing to dissect it.

Karl the Giant

Matthew McGrory

Archetype: The Gentle Giant / The Outcast
Key Trait: Misunderstood Nature

Motivation

To find acceptance in a world too small for him.

Character Arc

Begins as a feared monster eating livestock; becomes a refined, successful companion through Edward's friendship.

Cast

Ewan McGregor as Ed Bloom (young)
Albert Finney as Ed Bloom (senior)
Billy Crudup as Will Bloom
Jessica Lange as Sandra Bloom (senior)
Helena Bonham Carter as Jenny (young & senior) / The Witch
Alison Lohman as Sandra Bloom (young)
Robert Guillaume as Dr. Bennett (senior)
Marion Cotillard as Josephine
Matthew McGrory as Karl the Giant
David Denman as Don Price (age 18-22)
Missi Pyle as Mildred
Loudon Wainwright III as Beamen
Ada Tai as Ping
Arlene Tai as Jing
Steve Buscemi as Norther Winslow
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