Ploumis reviews Big Eyes…Big Eyes is based on the true story of artist Margaret Keane (Amy Adams), whose work became famous in the 1950’s/60’s. Her paintings consisted of doll-like children, all with large dramatized eyes aka “The Big Eyes”.The expression shown in the eyes of the subjects in Margaret’s paintings made her work unique and insanely popular. It was, however, her husband at the time – Walter Keane (Christoph Waltz) – who took credit for her paintings.

The film begins with Margaret leaving her husband and relocating with her daughter to San Francisco. There is a beautiful moment right at the outset of the film. While behind the wheel of her car, we see Margaret’s face falter. She reaches back for her daughter’s hand, and once she feels that connection, regains her strength. Once in the City by the Bay, Margaret gets into the swing of her new life. She starts painting and dating again. She quickly catches the eye of Walter, an “artist” who sounds (truth be told) more like a used car salesman. Walter romances Margaret with talk of Paris, art, and insane flattery of her work. After a short courtship the two marry. Walter’s mission is to support or rather establish himself as an artist. The only problem is that no one likes his bourgeois Parisian paintings – but they love the “big eyed” children.

Directed by Tim Burton, written by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski

After an initial misunderstanding that he manipulates so that it “plays” in his favor, Walter convinces Margaret that no one will buy “women’s art”. He then argues that if everyone believes that he – not she – is the artist, then there is a chance to become rich and famous. Margaret goes along with this, feeling she could never sell her work on her own. Money and fame floods the couple’s lives – a flood that is accompanied, unfortunately, by their living a lie. Margaret wants nothing more than to tell the truth. Walter responds to this desire on her part by threatening that there will be dire consequences if for her if she dares tell the world their secret.

Ploumis Reviews Big Eyes

The courage Margaret needed to break free was hidden way down deep underneath all her fear and exhaustion. As the years go buy she remembers the two most important things in her life: her daughter and her art.

Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz perfect casting choices

This was a great film for so many reasons. Without a doubt, the two leading actors were the perfect casting choice. Amy Adams is formidable and self-sacrificing, while Waltz’s character brings to mind the fabled serpent in the Garden of Eden. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t take this chance to gush about Tim Burton. I appreciate that he put his “Burtoness” aside in order to tell the story. Don’t look for his typical whimsy in this film, because you won’t find it.

Instead Burton took me back to some of his beginning/character based films – which I love. It was like seeing an old friend after a long separation. The focus on Margaret’s journey was reminiscent of the focus on Ed in Ed Wood. The opening credits in Big Eyes show a printing press rhythmically churning out posters. This took me back to the Inventor in Edward Scissorhands and his cookie-making assembly line or the trail of blood we follow throughout the pipes in Sweeney Todd. I loved the narration by Danny Huston (reminiscent of Winona Ryder in Edward Scissor Hands) and how it framed the story. If you pay close attention, you will also notice the familiar (at times uncomfortable) camera angles we’ve come to expect from Burton. They draw our attention to the “uh oh” moments in the film. By using all of these trademarks, Burton shows us – rather than tells us – how serious this story is. If nothing else, Burton has ensured that the audience will leave the theater realizing the severe injustice suffered by Margaret Keane. That is what’s most important, and that is how you feel after seeing this film.

For anyone who feels scared to speak up or take a hold of your own life – this movie is for you!