Tim Burton rewatch! Are the eyes truly the windows of the soul? Where is the line of honesty versus deception in art and inspiration? These are big questions for Big Eyes (2014).

Here’s what happens: No one is quite sure what to make of Margaret Keane’s paintings of unusually big-eyed children, but everyone is inexplicably drawn to them. It’s a man’s world in the 1950s, however, so her husband Walter takes credit for the paintings. After years of this, Margaret finally takes a stand.

Origin story: Based on a true story. While the movie takes shortcuts like all biopics do, it tells the story of Margaret Keane’s rocky marriage and the fight for her art. She continued being a successful artist for decades after the events of this movie, established as a well-known yet occasionally controversial figure in the California art scene. She died in 2022.

Outsider theory: A woman of few words, Margaret Keane remains unknowable. This is likely what appealed to Burton, the tale of a quiet person whose artwork is often looked on as outlandish by others.

Reality breaks through: In this case the fantasy world is Margaret’s life with Walter, and him growing famous and wealthy from her work. The real world breaks through the fantasy when she finally speaks up and takes control of her life.

Best bits: Reporter Dick Nolan: “You know what pissed me off? Margaret gave the scoop to some button-pushing Big Lolo, instead of a respected journalist like myself.”

Thoughts on this viewing: Many critics over the years have chided this movie for not doing more with the climactic trial that ends the movie, arguing that the whole thing should be a quirky courtroom drama. My counterargument is that Burton and co. aren’t interested in the trial so much as they are in Margaret living with a lie for years on end. That’s the story being told. It’s a simple one, but it’s well told. After the bombast of Alice and Dark Shadows, it’s refreshing to see Burton doing more character-focused work again.

Next: Held for Ransom.

* * * *

Want more? Check out my ongoing serial, THE SUBTERKNIGHTS, on Kindle Vella. A man searches for his missing sister in a sprawling city full of far-out tech and secret magic. It’s a sci-fi/fantasy hybrid full of action, romance, mystery, and laughs. The first three episodes are FREE! Click here for a list of all my books and serials.