Big Fish (Film) Essay Questions

What is the significance of the film's title, Big Fish?

The film's title has many meanings. Simply, the term "big fish" means an "elaborate story," the exaggeration of a normal story into a tall tale. Stretching the truth is a way of life for Edward, a way of making his life seem more exciting. Additionally, the title refers to Edward himself, in that he is a big fish in a little pond of sorts, with dreams that exceed the scope of his surroundings. Throughout, he has an unexplained need for water, almost as if he is a living fish, and at one point we see him sitting in a bathtub with his clothes on, just so he doesn't "dry out." Then, at the end, Will mythologizes his father's death by having him turn into a giant catfish that lives forever. The big fish represents the immortality of Edward, and the way that he is magical.

How does Will reconcile with his father?

At the end of the film, Will is out investigating his father's claims about the stories of his life. While doing so, he learns his dad has had a stroke. When he returns to his father's hospital bedside, now knowing that his dad's stories are at least somewhat true, he has a change of heart, with the help of his family doctor, Dr. Bennett. Armed with the knowledge of his father's imminent death and a newfound respect for storytelling, Will tells his father the story of his death, but in a magical and adorned fashion. He makes amends with his father by giving him the gift that his father has been giving for his whole life, the gift of fantasy.

What is the symbolism in taking off one's shoes in Spectre?

Edward finds Spectre accidentally, and is struck by its peculiarity and its self-proclaimed perfection. Indeed, the citizens believe it is so perfect that no one would ever want to leave, and the grass is unusually soft. The removal of one's shoes represents that Spectre is such a safe place that the potential for pain or wounds does not exist.

What does Edward learn when he meets Amos Calloway in wolf form?

While he is initially very frightened of the wolf that jumps on top of him when he knocks on Amos' door, Edward eventually wins the upper hand by being gentle and playful with the wolf. He throws a stick for the wolf, and we hear him narrate in voiceover, "It was that night I discovered that most things you consider evil or wicked are simply lonely, and lacking in the social niceties." Playing with the wolf rather than fighting back teaches Edward the lesson that sometimes things that seem unfriendly are actually just searching for some kindness and companionship.

Why does Sandra choose to marry Edward?

When Edward first proposes to Sandra, she tells him she's already engaged and that she doesn't know him at all. This does not discourage Edward who, while not pushy or disrespectful, keeps trying to win her heart. When Sandra's fiancé Don confronts Edward about encroaching on his territory, Sandra asks Edward not to fight, a request he strictly obeys, and which gets him badly beat up. In seeing how willing Edward is to sacrifice himself for her, and seeing what a possessive brute Don is, Sandra decides to call off her engagement to Don.