Big Eyes: A Movie Review

Women do not divorce their husbands, let alone work without their husbands approval.  This was the life for Margaret in the 1950's.  She made a bold move and left her husband for a better life with her daughter.  She knew it would be hard but did not realize even finding a job would be a difficult task with her whole dilemma of being a woman and all.  Luckily, she was able to start over.  She found a job  doing something she loved.  Painting.  Yes, it was painting the wood on furniture, but it was painting nonetheless.  So here was Margaret on a beautiful Sunday in the park, showcasing her talent at an art fair, when the man who would change her life forever entered the picture.  

Walter was a passionate artist who won Margaret over immediately.  She was cautious at first, but once he convinced her to be his wife, she was his forever.  Lucky her........

You see, Margaret began to see her new hubby's true colors.  This man of many talents (not really) was not talented in one area in which he claimed to be to everyone he met.  He was not a painter,  He loved paintings and if he had it his way, he would be a painter, but sadly this just wasn't the case for dear Walter.  Walter was, however, an impeccable liar.  In fact, he had the lovely people of San Francisco convinced that the beautiful imagery of his wife's paintings were in fact his.  The Keane signature on each painting was Walter Keane, surely not Margaret Keane.  

It wasn't like Walter started out this way.  He was honest at first and told Margaret someone misunderstood and thought he painted one her of beautiful works of art, but once he realized the profit to be made, the issue occurred that always occurs......money got to him.   Before Margaret knew it, her "Big Eyes" were being sold in every gallery, winning awards, being offered to politicians, actors, world leaders, and even a compilation of first drafts and finished products.  What nobody realized was that Margaret did all of this.  Yes, poor Margaret who sat in her attic all day for long hours, painted every last picture while Walter took the credit.  I think her lowest point was when she had to lie to her daughter who basically called her out on what was happening.  I think every feminist out there would have had a fit.  I certainly wanted to punch her a few times for not sticking up for herself. (Kidding......)  Please do not fret though, Margaret did get her revenge and it was oh so sweet.

This true account was directed by Tim Burton and definitely had his flair throughout.  It was cheesy in a comical way and creatively done.  I need to see Christoph Waltz in something where he plays a good guy because of how well he played the most annoying character ever.  But in all seriousness it was a perfect Sunday afternoon movie that would be wonderful for the creative movie goers who like to see something a little different.