The Big White Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Robin Williams finds a body, claims it’s his brother for insurance money, but then everything goes hilariously wrong in the snow with hitmen and his Tourette’s wife.

🍿 The Big White: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Paul’s Financial Troubles

Paul Barnell, a travel agent in Alaska, faces imminent bankruptcy. He’s desperate to secure his financial future and provide for his wife, Margaret, who suffers from a mental illness causing Tourette’s-like outbursts. With his business failing, Paul seeks a way out of his dire situation.

A Corpse and a Scheme

Paul discovers a dead body in a dumpster behind his office. He hatches a plan to pass off the corpse as his missing brother, Raymond, who has a life insurance policy worth $1,000,000. Paul hopes this scheme will solve his financial problems and allow him to get Margaret the care she needs in Hawaii. He sets about trying to convince the authorities and the insurance company.

Insurance Investigator and Hitmen

Insurance investigator Ted Waters becomes suspicious of Paul’s claim and begins a thorough investigation, driven by his ambition to transfer out of Alaska. Meanwhile, two inept hitmen, Gary and Jimbo, realize that Paul has stolen the body they were supposed to dispose of and kidnap Margaret to get it back. Paul’s situation becomes increasingly complex as he juggles the investigation, the hitmen, and his wife’s safety.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Paul Barnell (Robin Williams): A financially struggling Alaskan travel agent who resorts to insurance fraud by passing off a corpse as his missing brother.
• Margaret Barnell (Holly Hunter): Paul’s eccentric wife who suffers from a mental illness adding to their financial and emotional distress.
• Ted Waters (Giovanni Ribisi): A determined insurance investigator who suspects Paul’s fraud and is eager to expose him for a promotion.
• Raymond Barnell (Woody Harrelson): Paul’s estranged brother, presumed dead, who unexpectedly returns seeking a cut of the insurance money.
• Gary (Tim Blake Nelson): One of the two inept hitmen who seek to recover the corpse Paul stole, leading to further complications.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Margaret Barnell: “Bullshit.” – Margaret’s blunt response to the minister’s comforting words at the funeral, showcasing her unfiltered personality.
• Raymond Barnell: “Well, ain’t this a fine mess.” – Raymond says this upon arriving and seeing the chaotic situation his ‘death’ has caused, highlighting his cynical attitude.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $14,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $494,138
• Worldwide Gross: $541,840

💥 The Big White Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed this movie, it was a pleasant surprise! The opening credits begin and I see, Robin Williams, Holly Hunter, Giovanni Ribisi, and Tim Blake Nelson, and I think, Why haven’t I heard of this film before? It seems to be too derivative of the Coen Brothers’ work but all films made now are derived from other movies, or TV shows, or books. I also thought the acting pulled me in and I enjoyed myself very much.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark comedies”
  • “Viewers who appreciate quirky characters”
  • “Those who enjoy crime stories with a comedic twist”
  • “Fans of Robin Williams, Holly Hunter, and Giovanni Ribisi”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Suggestive humor”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Kidnapping”

Professional Reviews

• Movie Critic Weekly: “A quirky black comedy that doesn’t quite reach the heights of ‘Fargo,’ but still offers some dark laughs and standout performances, especially from Holly Hunter. The plot gets convoluted, but the talented cast keeps you engaged.
• Indie Film Review: “The Big White’s humor is definitely strange and it’s hard to get involved with the characters. However, if you are a fan of dark humor or independent features this is one worth checking out. The cast gives outstanding performances.

Audience Reactions

Holly Hunter’s portrayal of Margaret, the wife with a ‘unique’ condition, is incredibly funny and steals the show.: Many viewers appreciate the film’s dark humor and the strong performances of the ensemble cast, even if it doesn’t quite reach the level of ‘Fargo’.

The quirky characters and unexpected plot twists made this a memorable and enjoyable watch.: The movie’s unique blend of crime, drama, and dark comedy appeals to fans of independent films with a dark sense of humor.

Overall Consensus: A darkly comedic crime caper that, while drawing comparisons to ‘Fargo,’ offers its own blend of quirky characters, unexpected twists, and solid performances, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Robin Williams mentioned in an interview that the isolation and cold weather on the Alaska set contributed to his relapse into drinking after 20 years of sobriety.”
• “The movie was filmed on location in Skagway, Alaska, and Winnipeg, Manitoba, creating an authentic atmosphere for the dark comedy.”
• “Despite a star-studded cast and intriguing premise, ‘The Big White’ had a limited theatrical release and gained a cult following primarily through DVD sales and streaming platforms.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Big White?

As of October 2024, ‘The Big White’ is available for purchase or rental on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for cable availability and streaming options, as availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Big White, you might like these similar films:

• Fargo (1996): Shares a similar darkly comedic tone, crime plot, and snowy setting, making it a direct comparison.
• A Simple Plan (1998): Deals with the theme of ordinary people getting involved in a criminal scheme after discovering a large sum of money, exploring the consequences of greed and desperation.
• The Ice Harvest (2005): Features a darkly comedic crime story set during a snowy Christmas Eve, with characters making increasingly bad decisions.
• Knives Out (2019): A modern dark comedy with a quirky ensemble cast and a mystery that unravels with surprising twists, appealing to fans of clever storytelling.
• In Bruges (2008): Features hitmen in a darkly comedic and absurd situation, with moments of violence and unexpected character development, appealing to those who enjoy quirky crime stories.

🛒 The Big White Related Products

• The Big White [DVD]: Own the dark comedy classic. Relive the absurd situations and stellar performances of Robin Williams, Holly Hunter, and Giovanni Ribisi in this hilarious and offbeat adventure.
• Alaska Travel Guide: Discover the stunning landscapes of Alaska, the setting of ‘The Big White’. Plan your own great escape and explore the beauty of the Last Frontier with this comprehensive travel guide.
• Tourette Syndrome Awareness T-Shirt: Show your support for Tourette Syndrome awareness with this comfortable and stylish t-shirt. Inspired by Holly Hunter’s character in ‘The Big White,’ promote understanding and acceptance.
• Winter Landscape Photography Print: Bring the beauty of the Alaskan winter into your home with this stunning photograph. Perfect for fans of the film’s stark and snowy landscapes.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Big White features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Last Stop: This Town” – performed by Eels
• “I Want To Protect You” – performed by Mark Oliver Everett

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

TOP 10 BIGGEST SHARKS IN THE WORLD

Ever wondered how realistic the sharks in *Jaws* are? This video dives into the top 10 biggest sharks in the world – it’s a fascinating look at the real-life inspiration behind the movie’s terrifying creatures!

Swimming With A Great White Shark In Guadalupe, Mexico

Want to see something truly terrifying? Check out this incredible footage of a close encounter with a great white shark! It’ll give you a new appreciation for the fear factor in *Jaws*.

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