Big Eyes (2014)

**Big Eyes (2014)** delves into the remarkable true story of Margaret Keane, an artist whose distinctive portraits of waifs with oversized eyes captivated the 1950s art world. The film meticulously chronicles her sudden rise to phenomenal success and, more dramatically, the subsequent legal battles she endured in the 1960s against her husband, Walter Keane, who controversially claimed credit for her iconic works. It's a gripping narrative of artistic awakening, exploitation, and the fight for recognition in a male-dominated era. While often seen as a departure from Tim Burton's signature gothic fantasies, *Big Eyes* firmly belongs on a list of his best works due to its profound exploration of themes central to his filmography. Burton masterfully crafts a compelling narrative around an archetypal Burtonesque protagonist: a quiet, artistic outsider (Margaret Keane) struggling for self-expression and identity against a manipulative, larger-than-life figure (Walter Keane) and societal expectations. The film showcases Burton's keen eye for visual storytelling and character-driven drama, proving his ability to delve into real-world struggles with the same depth and unique sensibility he brings to his fantastical tales, all while maintaining his distinct artistic voice.