Big Eyes-2014

Director Tim Burton

Starring Amy Adams, Christoph Waltz

Scott’s Review #216

Reviewed January 18, 2015

Grade: B

Big Eyes (2014) tells the true story of Margaret Keane, a talented artist famous for the “big eyes” waif collection, whose husband manipulated her and took credit for her works during the 1950s and 1960s.

A con artist, he passed himself off as a talented artist, but in truth, he scammed other artists and had no artistic talent of his own.

He was also mentally unstable.

Thanks to his charisma, ability to wine and dine influential people, and marketing skills, he made millions from his wife’s art.

Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz portray Margaret and Walter Keane.

Tim Burton directs the film.

Adams and Waltz are the film’s main appeal. They share tremendous chemistry as they court one another, then despise each other as they fight a bitter divorce battle over the rights to Margaret’s paintings.

I love Christoph Waltz in whatever he appears in, as his charisma and acting ability astound me.

Adams is quite effective and believable as the passive, loyal, and talented Margaret Keane.

As compelling as Adams’s performance is, one issue with the film is that I didn’t feel as sympathetic toward Margaret Keane as the film probably intended.

I liked the character very much and rooted for her in the courthouse scenes to win the rights to her paintings, and I cheered when she escaped to Hawaii with her daughter to start a new life.

But she willingly went along with her husband’s plot, as they both decided a female artist wouldn’t sell as well as a man could (it was the 1950s), and they made millions from her art.

They lived in a gorgeous house, had wonderful dinners, and maintained an extravagant lifestyle, not so bad.

It was not as if Walter stole all of her money and left her homeless. She enjoyed a nice lifestyle.

So, my sympathy for her was affected.

A positive of Big Eyes is how Margaret continues to uncover Walter’s deceptions. She first learns he took credit for her work, then finds out he isn’t even an artist and conned another painter into giving him credit for their work.

The buildup to these reveals is excellent.

The film is a change of pace for Tim Burton. Big Eyes is not a dark film and is quite bright and colorful. Some interesting sets and art direction echo his other works, Edward Scissorhands (1990) and Beetlejuice (1988).

Big Eyes (2014) is an enjoyable film largely made successful by the talents and appeal of its two stars.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Screenplay