The Trailer:
Cast: Amy Adams & Christoph Waltz
Synopsis: Based on the true story of artist Margaret Keane (Amy Adams) and her husband, Walter Keane (Christoph Waltz), who took credit for her work.
This story is interesting. As an artist myself, I was heartbroken for Margaret as she had to stand in the shadows while her husband took all the credit and received all the praise for her artwork. Art is personal and sometimes intimate and it just kills me to think of this woman not being able to take pride in her work. In essence, I liked the story that is the backbone of Big Eyes. Somehow, though, there wasn't enough soul to make this film have a true impact on it's viewers.
Christoph Waltz and Amy Adams are wonderful actors, and their acting in this film is no exception, though I will say that Christoph Waltz stole the show. But I suppose that is intentional. Margaret Keane is humble and modest and accepts when people aren't willing to pay her asking price, because she is just happy to paint for them. Whereas Walter is a true salesman: he can make any one feel like they need whatever he is selling and does it with ease and eloquence. That is how he so easily walked over Margaret, he convinced her that him taking credit was better for them and she, being unassertive, agreed even though she didn't feel right about it. So Christoph Waltz's portrayal of Walter is perfect, he oozes exuberance and charm that initially makes him likeable. And Amy Adam's portrayal of Margaret Keane is effortless, for the entirety of the film she is Margaret Keane. She is first humble and passive and then as she grows wary of Walter and his unending desire for money and glory, she realizes her strength and becomes determined to take back all she allowed him to take from her. It's a glorious character arc that really showcases Adam's talents as an actor.
The cinematography is wondrous and in true Tim Burton style, though a little watered down in order to allow the story to be at center stage rather than crazy and elaborate sets. There are rich, vibrant colors that are highly saturated and at times cartoonish, but still stunning. Also, there are small, sporadic moments where, through Margaret's perspective, we see people with enlarged eyes to mimic her painting style. Those are the only true Burton-esque elements of the film. While I did enjoy those elements, it wasn't enough. It seems like Burton, in an attempt to edit himself, lost the passion. And that's what deeply troubles me about this film; It's beautifully shot and well-acted but it lacks heart. There's no drama. From the beginning of the film, we already know that Margaret is going to come out on top in the end, so there's just no tension or uncertainty about it. Then when she meets Walter, it is apparent that he is a phony, so again there's never a moment where we're wondering if he's really a nice guy or if he's evil from the start. And while I did mention that Waltz did well in his role, it might be the actual role that comes off as silly. He's not silly in the beginning, though, it is only towards the end of the film that Walter takes on this villainous caricature that just becomes too childish to take seriously. In the end, there is just no significance.
Overall, this movie is beautifully shot and an interesting tale of a fantastic artist, but it's not one of Burton's best work. Without all the whimsy and fantasy of his previous films, it's just dull and half-hearted. Already the film's small impression is fading. Would I watch it again? Probably not. This is the type of movie that only needs to be viewed once.
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