Big Eyes

Dir: Tim Burton

2014

****

Big Eyes marks somewhat of a change in direction for Tim Burton. The director is known for his Gothic quirk, darkly comedies and macabre fantasy, and although he has ventured into kitsch and has used splashes of bright colour in the past, this is his first venture into vivid technicolor that doesn't involve alien invasions or fantasy worlds and isn't a disastrous remake. It's rather a breath of fresh air but Burton's unique style is still very clear to see. One of the opening shots of an old 50's car driving towards a distant mountain road is utterly gorgeous, we've seen the likes of it before in his best films; Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice and parts of Ed Wood but like I said, never as colourful. If you like a bit of 1950's Americana then you're in for a treat. His style fits the story perfectly. Tim Burton is a fan of Margaret Keane and her 'Big eyes' paintings, so you could say she has been an influence on his style, so it comes full circle and works rather nicely. Although Walter Keane (played brilliantly by Christoph Waltz) was a real person and, from what people who knew him have said, he is performed with authenticity, he feels like a Tim Burton character. For many years, Margaret Keane wouldn't allow this film to happen, she finally agreed after she was satisfied that her story would be told truthfully (she even has a cameo) making this a rare example of a 100% truthful biopic. A refreshing treat. It's a kitsch film about the queen of kitsch art and her long running secret that had the world fooled. You couldn't make it up and it is nice to know that no one did. The performances are strong, it looks beautiful and I feel like I learned something while being entertained. Easily the best film Burton has made in years and a very pleasant surprise too.