Review of Big Eyes (2014) by James O — 07 Jan 2015

Big Eyes is a film directed by Tim Burton and stars Amy Adams as Margaret Keane and Christoph Waltz as Walter Keane. This film shows how quickly a lie can get out of control. Margaret Keane is the artist behind the big eye waif images but was manipulated, for the greater good of course, by her husband to let him take credit for her paintings. The lies continue and escalate until the paintings are reviewed horribly by an art critic which brings the negativity of the relationship to an ugly head causing the marriage and relationship to end. Even after the relationship is over, Walter still continues the facade of who is the true artists until Margaret takes him to court for slander.

The film had everything it needed to be a hit, but the story just fell flat for me. Some of the acting by Christoph Waltz, particularly in the third act was over the top(directed that way....maybe). I didn't feel a connection with any of the characters or the story. I did enjoy the conversations regarding art and an artists inspiration but sadly, this movie didn't move me.

If you are looking for an afternoon out at the movies, Big Eyes will certainly fit the bill, but no need to revisit.