Big Eyes

PLOT SUMMARY

The film is based on the life of American artist Margaret Keane, who was really successful as a painter in the 1950s and 1960s, but was consistently duped by her husband who would ask her to pain pictures but sign his name on it.

Margaret gois job hunting and accepts a job painting decorative work on furniture. One day, when selling portraits at a park, she catches the eye of Walter, who quickly puts the moves on her. Swayed by his charm, the two meet often and it is not long before they get married. MArgaret's daughter however, is not too convinced about Walter.

Walter spins wonderful tales about how he learnt his craft in Paris. Soon, Walter rakes in the big bucks with exhibitions of paintings supposedly painted by him. All the while, Margaret bites the bullet and continues to churn out one superb painting after another. Soon, they are asked to paint at the World Fair. Margaret produces a rather large sized painting which Walter proudly exhibits at the fair. However, the painting is criticized by a critic and Walter, already a bit drunk at the event, loses his cool and threatens the critic.

The damage is done, however and back at home at night, Walter drunkenly tries to burn the room that Margaret and her daughter are in. She escapes with her daughter and they set up their lives far away. Walter tells Margaret that he will have to produce a hundred works for her if he is to grant a divorce. She accepts but then Margaret finds out that he used to fake his own paintings, by putting his own name over other people's work. In fact, he isn't even a painter.

Things head to court where after a showdown, the judge asks both of them to paint a scene. Walter is of course unable to do this. Margaret wins the case and her finances are back in order. As the end credits roll, we are told how the both live the rest of their lives. Margaret finally gets the money and fame she deserves while Walter dies broke and bitter.