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What's it about:
The true story of Walter Keane, who was one of the most successful painters of the 1950s and early 1960s. The artist earned staggering notoriety by revolutionising the commercialisation and accessibility of popular art with his enigmatic paintings of waifs with big eyes. The truth would eventually be discovered though: Keane’s art was actually not created by him at all, but by his wife, Margaret. The Keanes, it seemed, had been living a lie that had grown to gigantic proportions.
The film centers on Margaret’s awakening as an artist, the phenomenal success of her paintings, and her tumultuous relationship with her husband, who was catapulted to international fame while taking credit for her work.
What we thought:
Big Eyes by Tim Burton is a drama about the life of Margaret Keane, her phenomenal success in the 1950s with her big eye paintings of kids, and the subsequent legal battle she had with her husband - who claimed credit for her work.
And that’s exactly what you’re going to get when you watch the movie. A beautiful piece of cinema about a true life story told in chronological order with a Burton Instagram filter.
But don’t expect a masterpiece. Sure it’s cute, adorable and has a slightly dark undertone, just like Keane’s paintings, but it won’t blow your mind (unless you’re easily impressed).
If you decide to watch the movie at a cinema the experience will be pleasant. Even if you just go to see Amy Adams’ marvelous portrayal of Margaret Keane. But like me you’ll find yourself strolling through the shopping mall afterwards almost oblivious to the fact that you had just watched a movie. I guess what I’m trying to say is that it won’t stick.
You’ll watch it, like it and then move on. For some that will be more than enough while others will want more. Film fanatics will crave something with a lingering after taste that feeds more than just the basic need to watch a movie.
I’d suggest watching the film in the comfort of your home on a rainy day under blanket with a slice of pizza in your hand.
