Big Eyes

Big Eyes is an engaging biographical drama film that unfolded on Christmas Day in 2014. This remarkable movie, directed by Tim Burton, boasts a stellar cast that includes the likes of Amy Adams, Christoph Waltz, and Danny Huston. Unlike Tim Burton’s classic repertoire of dark, gothic, and eccentric fantasy films such as 'Edward Scissorhands' and 'The Nightmare before Christmas', Big Eyes veers towards the realm of realism. The movie engrosses its viewers with the poignant tale of an artist who fights for her identity, self-expression, and justice against the backdrop of the commercial art world of the 1950s and 1960s.

Big Eyes hinge on the life story of Margaret Keane, the American artist behind the popular wide-eyed waifs, portraits of sullen children with big, melancholy eyes. Amy Adams impeccably embodies the role of Margaret, imbuing her character with an aura of shy charm and latent strength. Through her character, the movie explores themes of gender roles, self-expression, authorship and ownership in the world of art.

The movie kicks off with Margaret, a divorced single mother, moving to San Francisco with her daughter in the 1950s. Margaret, having painted as a hobby for years, strives to convert her passion into her livelihood. She meets Walter Keane, portrayed by the versatile Christoph Waltz, at an outdoor art fair in San Francisco. He is a charming, charismatic, and ambitious painter. They quickly fall in love and marry, intertwining their personal and professional lives.

Walter takes over the business side of Margaret's art, and it’s his marketing prowess that propels the 'Big Eyes' portraits to national, then global fame. However, Walter starts to exploit Margaret's talent by claiming the paintings as his own, both privately and publicly. Margaret initially agrees to this ruse out of love and submission, but then finds herself stuck in a web of lies when Walter's deception escalites, with her husband manufacturing tall tales about the inspiration behind the paintings.

Christoph Waltz's performance as the deluded and egotistical Walter Keane is electrifying. He seamlessly switches between charm and narcissism, keeping audiences on their toes about his character. He brokers deals that make their artworks extraordinarily popular, securing a place for the Keanes in the commercial art world. However, Margaret's absence from this acclaim doesn't go unnoticed and nags at her self-esteem.

Amy Adams steals the show with her vibrant and emotionally stirring performance. She flawlessly conveys the evolution of Margaret from a quiet, unassuming woman, deeply in love, to a strong and determined artist who finds the courage to stand up against Walter's manipulation, and relentlessly fights for her artistic identity and rightful recognition.

Danny Huston plays the role of a gossipy newspaper columnist, depicting the media's role within the historical period, and its contribution in shaping public perception. The rest of the supporting cast, including Jason Schwartzman and Krysten Ritter, add depth with their authentic performances.

Big Eyes visually pays homage to its era without veering into kitsch. Its detailed production design impeccably recreates the 1960s aesthetics, while also capturing the commercial gallery spaces, outdoor art shows and suburban landscapes. The costumes are vibrant, evoking the period's fashion trends accurately. Moreover, the cinematography beautifully showcases the 'Big Eyes' paintings, allowing viewers to thoroughly understand the appeal these artworks had at the time.

The music, scored by Danny Elfman, meshes with the film’s narrative and underlines the ebb and flow of emotions. The writing creates a true-to-life portrayal of Margaret's journey with insightful dialogues and thought-provoking scenes.

In conclusion, Big Eyes offers a riveting portrayal of Margaret Keane’s life story, combining fascinating characters with compelling storytelling. It opens a window into the mid-century pop culture while recounting the tale of its unsung heroine. It isn’t just a film about art; it's also about identity, courage, and a woman’s journey to claim what's rightfully hers. Inspiring, emotional, and beautifully executed, Big Eyes is truly a must-watch for art enthusiasts, fans of biographical dramas, and admirers of Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz. This film guarantees a memorable viewing that keeps you engrossed from start to finish.