Tag Archives: Big Eyes

Selma (2014)

My Ratings: 4.2/5.

The Imitation GameWild, American Sniper, Mr.TurnerBig EyesFoxcatcherUnbrokenThe Theory Of Every ThingFuryKill The Messenger – and among these never-ending list of biographies produced in 2014, Selma turns out to be the one with the most impact.

selma-poster1The film Selma vividly depicts the unfortunate times when equality and respect in the society depended on one’s race and color.

Presently with a Black President behind the desk it is hard for us to imagine the amount of sacrifice and torment the Black community of United States went through in the past, the sacrifice they had to make just to claim their basic rights as a citizen.

But then again, it was the time to change the course of history forever.

It was 1965 and Martin Luther King leaded the epic march from Selma to Montgomery (Alabama), a nonviolent protest demanding for the right-to-vote for all black men and women in the country.

While under the orders of George Wallace (the then Governor of Alabama) countless innocent men and women (of all ages) were harassed, brutally beaten and even murdered but that didn’t stop Martin Luther King from keep demanding his rights (peacefully though).   

selma-posterPresident Lyndon Johnson finally had to give in and it was victory – a victory of both equality and humanity. 

The film Selma directed by Ava DuVernay brilliantly manages to portray the emotions and sentiments of the people who fought  for what they believed was right.

And such a powerful film is evidently backed by some outstanding performances – David Oyelowo (as King, he is simply brilliant), Carmen EjogoOprah WinfreyTom WilkinsonGiovanni RibisiTim Roth and others.

Selma with four Golden Globe Award nominations (won for Best Original Song) was also nominated for Best Picture and won Best Original Song at the Oscars this year.

A film that will undoubtedly touch your heart. Watch it.

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Big Eyes (2014)

My Ratings: 3.2/5.

Finally Tim Burton is back with his latest film Big Eyes based on the dramatic ‘true’ events from the lives of the famous artists Mr. and Mrs. Keane.

Set in the 1950’s California the film revolves around a married couple – Margaret Keane (Amy Adams), an artist who specializes in drawing children with big, sad eyes; and her husband Walter Keane (Christoph Waltz), the perfect smooth-talking salesman (although he claims to be an artist too).

Seems to be a perfect marriage until Margaret’s big-eyed children-paintings suddenly become a hit and Walter starts taking credit for Margaret’s work!

A somewhat unevenly entertaining comedy that gives you the satisfaction of enjoying a good film while at the same time making you think – it could have been much better.

No complains with the performances of Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz. Both did a fabulous job and stayed true to their character’s ambiguities. 

Actually the first half of Big Eyes is pretty flawless; the story races with speed and ambition, the characters real and emotions high. But after the second half the treatment is often too melodramatic and the characters (especially Walter in the courtroom scene) seems too caricatural.

Tim Burton’s eccentric, comic touch is always a treat for his fans though this time it seemed abrupt and inconsistent.

Superb production design by Rick Heinrichs, art direction by Chris August and awesome work by costume designer Colleen Atwood, the film really makes us time travel into the 50s era.  

Overall Big Eyes is a fine portrayal of Margaret Keane’s life, how she becomes a victim of artistic plagiarism and finally how she musters enough courage to find her long lost dignity, fame and artistic freedom.

If you are a fan of Amy Adams go for it, she is absolutely brilliant.

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