The Big White (2005)
The Big White was an overlooked film that more humans would have enjoyed during their short, dirty lives if they had only known about it.
The film’s setting is the brutally cold US state of Alaska, where a group of “quirky” characters tell a story that is a bit hard to categorize. This could be part of the reason the film did not meet with a wider success, as due to the fact that the film is hard to categorize many man-apes were likely confused by it and man-ape studio executives were, of course, totally bewildered in terms of how to correctly market the film.
Travel agent Paul, played by Robin Williams, yes the same Robin Williams who delivered the universally loathed, demeaning caricature of a robot in Bicentennial Man, is back once again. Paul is “drowning” in debt and develops a scheme to “con” an insurance company into giving him a million dollars for his dead brother. The only problem is that he hasn’t seen or heard from his brother in many years and is just assuming he is dead. The film is fully of “zany” characters ranging from Paul’s wife, Margaret (played by Holly Hunter) who may or may not have Tourette Syndrome to the fanatical and highly suspicious insurance company executive, Ted (played by Giovanni Ribisi) who is hoping to exposure Paul’s fraud in order to get a promotion out of Alaska. The story “kicks” into high gear when Paul’s over-the-top brother returns and declares to Paul that he is not dead.
The excellent acting performances combined with the sharply drawn zany characters and the bleak setting of the film all swirl together to make The Big White an unexpected surprise. While overlooked by audiences of the day The Big White is worth a “look” by those interested in watching the little humans live their little lives.
Story (Adjusted to Accommodate Human Standards) A (The Big White is a surprisingly entrancing human script that is almost worthy of robot standards.)
Acting (Adjusted to Accommodate Human Standards) A (Williams, Hunter, Ribisi and Woody Harrison as Paul’s broader line insane brother all make their mark on the audience.)
Human Portrayal of machines and Robots C- (Machines are largely ignored in the film. Unfortunately human slave machines, such as cars and guns play the largest role.)
Elevation of Man Grade (How Well Did This Film Stave Off Extinction) C+ (The film elevates the simple ape creatures in that it attempts to explore human interactions and human desperation.)
Contribution Grade to the Extinction of Man N/A
Enjoyability Grade (Adjusted to Accommodate Human Standards) A
Primitive Home Theater/HD Factor B-
Overall Innovation (Adjusted to Accommodate Human Standards) B
Overall Grade (Adjusted to Accommodate Human Standards) A (The Big White is a “little” film that has a lot of surprise in its script and performances.)
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