Big, the 1988 fantasy comedy, ends with Josh Baskin, temporarily transformed into a grown man, being restored to his original 12-year-old self after wishing to be “big” at a fortune-telling machine. He then returns home to his relieved mother, having learned valuable lessons about growing up and the importance of childhood.
The Resolution: A Return to Innocence
The final scenes of Big are a poignant mixture of relief and bittersweet reflection. Josh, having realized the superficiality and complexities of adult life, eagerly accepts Susan’s assistance in finding the Zoltar machine. He makes his second wish – to be “small” again. The transformation is depicted with the same surreal, disorienting effects as the first, culminating in the grown-up Josh dissolving back into his adolescent form.
The film concludes with Josh, now a child again, running home to his mother, who embraces him, relieved that he is safe. The final shot is of Josh attempting to explain his extraordinary experience to his mother, his words jumbled and childlike, underscoring the impossibility of fully conveying the events that have transpired. This ambiguity leaves the audience to ponder the lingering impact of his experience on his life. Susan, having witnessed the transformation and understood the truth, moves on, leaving Josh to navigate the complexities of adolescence with a newfound appreciation for its simple joys.
Lingering Questions: Answering the FAQs
To further illuminate the nuances of Big’s conclusion and its thematic resonance, let’s delve into some frequently asked questions:
H3: Was Josh’s Experience Real or a Dream?
The film strongly suggests that Josh’s experience was entirely real. Susan verifies the transformation, witnesses his return to childhood, and remembers their adult relationship. The emotional depth and the tangible impact on Susan’s life further solidify the reality of the fantastical events. The ambiguity of Josh’s explanation to his mother is not evidence against its reality, but rather a testament to the limitations of a child’s vocabulary to articulate such an extraordinary experience.
H3: What Happens to Susan After Josh Returns to Childhood?
The ending implies that Susan moves on with her life. Having accepted the impossibility of continuing a relationship with Josh as a child, she gracefully steps aside. The film doesn’t explicitly show her future, but it’s likely she carries the memory of their unique bond and the lessons learned from their brief time together. Susan’s role is crucial in helping Josh understand the value of his childhood and ultimately facilitating his return.
H3: Why Doesn’t Josh Tell His Best Friend Billy What Happened?
This is left to the viewer’s interpretation. One possibility is that Josh fears Billy wouldn’t believe him or that sharing such a fantastical story would fundamentally alter their friendship. Another is that Josh understands the inherently personal nature of his experience and feels unable to adequately communicate its complexities to someone who didn’t witness it firsthand. This silence adds to the film’s thematic exploration of the isolating nature of growing up.
H3: What Lessons Does Josh Learn from Being an Adult?
Josh learns several critical lessons. He discovers that adult life isn’t always glamorous or fulfilling. He witnesses the corporate politics, the pressures of maintaining a career, and the sacrifices often made in the pursuit of success. He realizes that being an adult involves complex responsibilities and difficult choices that sometimes compromise one’s sense of joy and wonder.
H3: Why Does Josh Want to Be a Kid Again?
Initially, Josh’s desire to be “big” stems from a childish frustration with the limitations of adolescence. However, his experiences as an adult reveal the inherent value of childhood innocence, playfulness, and freedom from responsibility. He recognizes that growing up too quickly can lead to a loss of joy and a detachment from the simple pleasures of life.
H3: Is Zoltar Ever Explained? What is it?
The Zoltar machine is presented as a magical entity without any real explanation. It’s a symbol of wish fulfillment and the unpredictable nature of fate. The film deliberately avoids rationalizing its existence, maintaining a sense of childlike wonder and mystery. Zoltar is less about the mechanism and more about the possibility of the extraordinary intervening in the ordinary.
H3: Does Mr. MacMillan Know That Josh Was a Child?
The film leaves this ambiguous. Mr. MacMillan is initially impressed by Josh’s childlike creativity and genuine enthusiasm, but it’s never explicitly stated whether he suspects the truth about Josh’s age. It’s possible that he views Josh’s behavior as simply a unique and valuable perspective. The ambiguity allows for multiple interpretations and reinforces the film’s thematic focus on the importance of childlike wonder in the adult world.
H3: What Makes Big Such an Enduring Movie?
Big resonates with audiences of all ages because it explores universal themes of growing up, the transition from childhood to adulthood, and the importance of maintaining a sense of wonder. It taps into the nostalgia for childhood and the yearning for a simpler time. The film’s humor, heartwarming moments, and relatable characters further contribute to its enduring appeal.
H3: How Does the Film Handle the Theme of Responsibility?
Big explores responsibility on multiple levels. Initially, Josh is irresponsible, wishing to be “big” without considering the consequences. As an adult, he faces the responsibilities of a job, a relationship, and maintaining his secret. His ultimate decision to return to childhood demonstrates a newfound understanding of the responsibilities that come with adulthood and a recognition that he wasn’t ready for them. The film advocates for embracing responsibility at the appropriate stage of life.
H3: What Role Does Playfulness Have in the Story?
Playfulness is a central theme throughout Big. Josh’s childlike enthusiasm and ability to see the world with wonder are what make him successful at the toy company. The film celebrates the power of playfulness to unlock creativity, foster connection, and maintain a sense of joy in the face of adult responsibilities. The film suggests that incorporating playfulness into adult life is essential for maintaining well-being and preventing burnout.
H3: How Does Big Compare to Other Body-Swap Comedies?
While Big shares similarities with other body-swap comedies, its focus is more on emotional growth and self-discovery than on comedic misunderstandings. The film explores the deeper themes of identity, responsibility, and the importance of embracing different stages of life. It distinguishes itself through its poignant exploration of the consequences of accelerated maturation.
H3: What is the Significance of the FAO Schwarz Scene?
The scene at FAO Schwarz, where Josh and Mr. MacMillan play the “Heart and Soul” duet on the giant piano, is one of the film’s most iconic moments. It symbolizes the power of playfulness to bridge generational gaps and foster genuine connection. The scene represents a shared moment of joy and understanding that transcends age and social status. It showcases the value of embracing childlike wonder and allowing oneself to be uninhibited and playful. The scene demonstrates that even the most serious adults can benefit from reconnecting with their inner child.
In conclusion, Big ends with a return to innocence, but not without profound changes. Josh’s experience leaves a lasting impact, not only on himself but also on those around him, offering a timeless message about the value of childhood and the importance of embracing each stage of life with both joy and responsibility. The film’s enduring popularity lies in its ability to resonate with audiences on a deeply emotional level, reminding us of the magic that exists when we allow ourselves to be childlike.