Danny Elfman's score for "Big Fish" has elements of the classic Hollywood score. The music is primarily underscoring and is wall to wall during the fantasy "flashback scenes" but is not wall to wall during the scenes in real life except when the story is being told. The score differs from the classical Hollywood score in that it is not a full orchestra, only subtle strings and piano. There is a slight fairy tale aspect of the film, and the music reflects that invoking elements of mystery, awe, and wonder.
Music also establishes time and place in scenes where popular music is used it is music of an era to establish that time. For example, the Siamese twins are singing a typical lounge type song that establishes the setting. In addition, in the circus scenes, there is an amount of typical circus music one would expect to hear which establishes the scene.
The coolest element about the music in "Big Fish" is it's ability to connect the reality of life with the mystical story through the music. While the score differs from whimsical to somber, like the story, it is able to tie them together to create a really seamless transition between reality and fantasy.
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