Big Eyes
She created it. He sold it. And everyone bought it.
Overview
In the late 1950s and early '60s, artist Walter Keane achieves unbelievable fame and success with portraits of saucer-eyed waifs. However, no one realizes that his wife, Margaret, is the real painter behind the brush. Although Margaret is horrified to learn that Walter is passing off her work as his own, she is too meek to protest too loudly. It isn't until the Keanes' marriage comes to an end and a lawsuit follows that the truth finally comes to light.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
The film is based on the true story of Margaret Keane, an artist whose paintings of children with large eyes became a pop culture phenomenon in the 1950s and 60s. However, her husband, Walter Keane, took credit for her work, perpetuating a fraud that lasted for years and highlights the systemic dismissal of female artists during that time period.
- Amy Adams delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Margaret Keane, capturing her vulnerability and eventual empowerment.
- Christoph Waltz portrays Walter Keane with unsettling charisma and manipulative charm, making him a compelling antagonist.
- The film explores themes of artistic ownership, gender inequality, and the struggle for recognition in a male-dominated art world.
- Tim Burton's signature visual style, while toned down compared to his more fantastical works, adds a distinct aesthetic that complements the era and the subject matter.
Fun Facts
- Margaret Keane herself has a cameo appearance in the film, sitting on a park bench.
- Tim Burton owns original Keane paintings and is a long-time admirer of her work, which influenced his decision to direct the film.
- The real Margaret Keane eventually won a lawsuit against Walter Keane, proving that she was the true artist of the 'Big Eyes' paintings.
Available Languages
svenska
SE
Title:
""
English
US
Title:
"She created it. He sold it. And everyone bought it."
Português
PT
Title: Grandes Olhos
"Ela criou. Ele vendeu. E toda a gente comprou."
Español
ES
Title:
"Ella creó. Él lo vendió. Y lo compraron."
Pусский
RU
Title: Большие глаза
""
Français
FR
Title:
"L'histoire vraie de la plus grande arnaque de l'histoire de l'art."
Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
Film making could be the windows of the soul...
Directed by Tim Burton and written by Scott Alexander & Larry Karaszewski, Big Eyes brings to the screen the story of artist Margaret Keane (Amy Adams), who was producing a number of paintings of waifs with big eyes that captured the art world's imagination. Unfortunately her charlatan husband (Christolph Waltz) manipulated the interest in her work to claim it as his own, leading to Margaret having to front up to the lie and take the case to court.
Quite often the beauty of filmic cinema is that it can bring notice to the public about certain topics in history. The story of Margaret Keane is a story well worth telling, it may not be all encompassing as a biography since it is just about the key part of her life, but getting the story out there is to be applauded. I myself knew nothing about the Keane case, but I'm glad I do now, this film adaptation forcing me to seek out further reading on the subject.
It actually doesn't matter if you have a bent for art on canvas (me, but I do find those paintings beautifully beguiling), this is more about the human spirit, the crushing of such and the birth of. However, sadly to a degree the film often seems at odds with itself via tonal flows. There's whimsy where there shouldn't be, the drama should be front and centre, whilst Waltz's performance is awfully cartoonish, way too animated, and these problems are laid firmly at Burton's door, an odd choice of director for the material, it's like they felt the off kilter look of the paintings marked Burton as a shoe-in to direct.
Conversely he gets a sparkling turn out of Adams, she plays Margaret as being so vulnerable but radiant, yet she's perfectly infuriating as well, tugging our heart strings whilst troubling our anger senses. It's the strength of Adams' turn that steers Big Eyes away from choppy waters, for even as the court case that makes up the finale is given too little time to breath and make the ultimate mark, Adams as Margaret holds her own court and seals the deal for a big uplift - which in turn marks Big Eyes out as a film of great warmth and importance. 7.5/10
When I first started watching the movie "Big Eyes" starring Amy Adams, I didn't have high expectations. I assumed it would be another typical older film that had its time in the spotlight. However, I was pleasantly surprised as the story unfolded.
The film follows a wife who decides to leave her husband, realizing he's not the right match for her. She finds solace in a painter who she admires, leading to a fast-paced romance. Both characters are artists, with the wife painting children with big, expressive eyes that reflect deep emotions and turmoil.
The movie boasts exceptional acting, a compelling storyline, and a captivating plot. As the narrative progresses, it's revealed that the husband is a fraudulent artist, taking credit for his wife's work and financial gains. The twist adds depth to the story and keeps viewers engaged.
What truly impressed me was discovering that "Big Eyes" is based on a true story. This revelation added a layer of credibility and authenticity to the film, making the ending even more satisfying. The actors' performances were outstanding, bringing the characters to life in a remarkable way.
Overall, "Big Eyes" exceeded my expectations with its powerful story, excellent delivery, and conclusive ending. It was a film that left me feeling excited and fulfilled by the time the credits rolled.
Oscar Awards
Wins
Haven't Won A Oscar
Nominations
Haven't Nominated for Oscar
Media
Clip
I Painted 'Em
Featurette
Academy Conversations: Big Eyes (NY)
Featurette
Academy Conversations: Big Eyes