by Tabatha Golat –
With Father’s Day approaching, I’ve found myself reflecting on my own relationship with my father and how it shaped my love of movies and filmmaking. As a young girl, my sisters and I would frequently “borrow” my Dad’s camcorder to create our own news broadcasts, commercials or amateur remakes of our favourite shows. My dad was always supportive of these filmmaking endeavors, even supplying us with 8mm tapes to ensure we had plenty of room for our recordings.
At 13 years old, when I boldly declared my intention to become a movie director, my Dad wasted no time enrolling me in a filmmaking camp and ensuring I was well versed in all the films deemed essential for aspiring filmmakers (though I must admit, 13 may have been a tad young for A Clockwork Orange). It is my father’s love of film that inspired my own. From his enthusiasm for Star Wars to his support of my Moulin Rouge obsession at 16, his encouragement to craft stories that resonate with audiences has been a constant source of inspiration. In honour of Father’s Day this June, I’ve dedicated this month’s film recommendations to two of my favourite films that explore the complexities of father/child relationships.
My top pick from the list is wholeheartedly Big Fish (available on Disney+). Directed by Tim Burton, this enchanting film follows the journey of Edward Bloom (Albert Finney), a man known for his penchant for spinning tall tales about his extraordinary life. When Edward’s son William (Billy Crudup), returns to be by his father’s side on his deathbed, he embarks on a quest to unravel the truth behind his father’s stories. Through a series of mesmerizing flashbacks and narration, we witness Edward’s adventures, with his younger self portrayed by the charismatic Ewan McGregor. Big Fish masterfully blends elements of fantasy and drama to deliver a touching tribute to the bond between father and son.
Second on the list is the heartwarming comedy Little Miss Sunshine (available on Crave). Featuring a stellar cast led by Greg Kinnear, the film follows a quirky family’s cross-country road trip to support their daughter’s dream of winning a beauty pageant. As they navigate their dysfunctional dynamics in an old VW bus, Little Miss Sunshine delivers laughs and poignant moments, capturing the complexities of family relationships with warmth and humour.
If you’re looking for a nostalgic journey or a heartwarming laugh, my other recommendations below are perfect for celebrating the special bond between fathers and their children.
1. The Kids Are All Right (Netflix)
2. Interstellar (Netflix)
3. Beginners (Apple TV)
4. The Royal Tenenbaums (Crave)
