Big Eyes: An Underrated Masterpiece

By

Moriya Bradley

(Grade: A)

Big Eyes is a biographical movie about painter Margaret Keane, who is brilliantly portrayed by the gorgeous Amy Adams (Enchanted, Man of Steel). The film takes place in the late 50's through the 60's and follows the emotional journey of Margret's painting career, marriage and parenthood. 

The film begins with a distraught Margaret taking her small daughter Jane and leaving her husband who is presumably abusive, and they move to San Fransisco where her friend Deanne resides (Krysten Ritter, Veronica Mars). However, because of the social stigma of the times, Margret finds it very difficult to support her daughter on her own, and when her ex-husband threatens to take Jane away, Margaret feels backed into a corner and naively marries a charming artist that she meets at an art fair, by the name of Walter Keane. Walter Keane is played by the eccentric Christoph Waltz (Water for Elephants, The Green Hornet), who perfectly nails the polished exterior and erratic interior that is Walter Keane.  Margaret soon realizes her mistake in marrying Walter. Though he provides for the family, he soon begins to take credit for her paintings called “big eyes” throwing Margaret into a life of plummeting depression and anxiety. Margaret faces a dilemma: does she take credit for her work to settle her mind, or does she give credit to her husband who is making them millions?

Big Eyes is a wonderful biography of the life of Margaret Keane, who is a talented painter that could not assume credit for her own work for over 10 years. The film is directed by cinematic genius Tim Burton, who has had a marvelous evolution of work since his first projects. The film perfectly captures all of the emotion, indecision, and drama that so elegantly defines the life of Margaret Keane, and it is a fantastic movie for anyone who loves art and drama. It's a beautiful film that displayed the real life of an artist with many trials that she had to overcome, not the least of which were honesty, religion, fraud, unhealthy marriages and challenged parenthood. There were wonderful morals to the film, and although it was dramatic, it ended on a happy note and messages full of hope.

Side Note:  I was inspired by this movie so much, I decided to try my hand.  Just for kicks. My painting is the one to the right (if it wasn't obvious).

Trivia: Just a fun bit of trivia. There is a scene where Margaret, Walter and Jane are outside in a park and Margaret and Walter are painting. At one point, Margaret is talking and the camera is focused on her, but in the background on a bench is sitting the real Margaret Keane in a blue outfit.

Content Overview

This film is Rated PG-13 for brief strong language and a suggestive content. There is mild language throughout and one use of the F-word in a non-sexual context. While there is nothing really violent, there are some potentially violent outbursts by one character who makes threats. There is also smoking and drinking, but there is no drug use or sex. There is some kissing.