After fleeing from an abusive marriage in 1958, Margaret (Adams) takes her daughter Jane (Raye, then Arthur) to San Francisco to start again, quickly meeting and marrying fellow painter Walter Keane (Waltz). A charmer, Walter soon starts selling Margaret's iconic paintings of huge-eyed waifs, initially claiming almost by accident that he's the painter. As the paintings become bestsellers, he revels in the limelight. Soon Margaret is sidelined completely, painting in secret while Walter lives the celebrity highlife. But her conscience won't let her stay quiet.

Burton keeps the film tightly focused on Margaret as Walter whirls around her like a fast-talking car salesman who never lets her express any doubts. So it's unnervingly easy to see how she lets herself fall into such a compromised position, and also exactly what prods her to take action. None of this is simplistic; Margaret knows she is complicit, and she understands Walter's self-deception, but she ultimately can't accept his lack of moral compass. And the artist in her has to get out somehow.

Where the story goes is remarkable, leading to one of the most hilariously deranged courtroom sequences in movie history. Unsurprisingly, the cast is a collection of actors who have unusually expressive eyes. Adams gives an openly emotional performance that carries a steely kick, while Waltz adds shadings to an over-the-top character who never quite becomes a villain. There are also strong small roles for Stamp (as a snide critic) and Ritter (as Margaret's bewildered friend), and Arthur has some superb moments as the older Jane.

Through all of this, Burton packs the screen with wonderfully subtle nuttiness, warped touches that audiences will miss if they're not paying attention. These add meaning and depth to the film, playfully lampooning the art world's often contradictory need for both public acclaim and creative integrity. But of course the real story here is about woman who quietly continued to do what she felt she was best at, regardless of criticism, exploitation or personal pain. And it's seriously inspiring that this focus is what made her a success.

themes, language

5.Dec.14