Some good, some bad... bottom line... so so. This one is difficult to critique. Amy Adams is so watchable and talented that even when she's questionably cast, as here, her performance is enjoyable. One has the impression that she met her real life character, liked her, and was reluctant to portray her in any way that might be considered insulting.
Even considering the culture warp from the 50s to present, it is difficult to conjure much admiration or sympathy for a character who plays the timid doormat to a boorish and over-the-top Svengali. Even though based on verifiable history, the viewer remains incredulous that such pusillanimous gullibility could exist in the heroine as played by Ms Adams. I kept looking for some familiar character flaw to explain this odd and exasperating behavior, but the heroine's persona, as performed, simply did not match her actions throughout most of the film. End result... lack of plot credibility, and interminable audience frustration until she, FINALLY, came to her senses.
It's much the same with Walsh. Enjoyable, but not a believable performance. With him, caricature produces entertainment, but, again, plot credibility suffers. I think Big Eyes is worth your time, but only if you're prepared for a little kitsch along the way...
Even considering the culture warp from the 50s to present, it is difficult to conjure much admiration or sympathy for a character who plays the timid doormat to a boorish and over-the-top Svengali. Even though based on verifiable history, the viewer remains incredulous that such pusillanimous gullibility could exist in the heroine as played by Ms Adams. I kept looking for some familiar character flaw to explain this odd and exasperating behavior, but the heroine's persona, as performed, simply did not match her actions throughout most of the film. End result... lack of plot credibility, and interminable audience frustration until she, FINALLY, came to her senses.
It's much the same with Walsh. Enjoyable, but not a believable performance. With him, caricature produces entertainment, but, again, plot credibility suffers. I think Big Eyes is worth your time, but only if you're prepared for a little kitsch along the way...