Over the years, Tim Burton has proven himself to be one of Hollywood’s most quirky and imaginative directors, particularly in the horror and fantasy genres. This fall, however, the Beetlejuice helmer will be setting his sights on something a little more grounded, with his character-driven drama Big Eyes. Starring Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz, the film looks to be a serious Oscar contender, and we’ve been keeping an eye out for any new information about the project.
Today, thanks to USA Today, we’ve got our first look at the two leads. Waltz plays disgraced artist Walter Keane, who was known in the ’50s and ’60s for what he claimed to be his kitsch paintings of wide-eyed children. Adams portrays his wife Margaret, who took Walter to court for taking credit for her works. Their conflict culminated in one of the most tense and unconventional courtroom moments in American history – a paint-off to determine the real artist.
Said Adams to USA Today:
“Margaret really believed that as a woman, people would not buy her art… [Walter] convinced her the life they were able to lead was because the artist was a man, who could sell more art at a higher price than a woman.”
She added of the story’s building tension and ultimate climax:
“This all seems so theatrical, like something you would design for a film. But that actually happened. Living the lie was something that weighed heavy on Margaret. But she won her name back.”
We’ve seen how favorably the Academy responds to true-history tales of inspiring individuals – just look at the heavyweights over the last few years, including 12 Years a Slave, Dallas Buyers Club, Captain Phillips, Argo and Lincoln – so Big Eyes‘ chances of getting some Oscar love this year seem strong. We’ll keep you posted as additional images and trailers for this project emerge.
Big Eyes opens on December 25th.
