The wheel turns once more for Larry Karaszewski and Scott Alexander’s long-gestating script Big Eyes. After several attempts, the film may now actually get made with Tim Burton directing Christoph Waltz and Amy Adams.
Big Eyes, which the writers scripted years ago, chronicles the story of Walter and Margaret Keane who became known in the 1950s and '60s for crafting one of the first mass-marketed art sensations via slightly creepy paintings of large-eyed people. The works were sold in petrol stations and small stores around the country.
Well, more accurately, Walter became known for the paintings, as he parlayed his claims that he created them into TV talk-show stardom. But in reality, it was Margaret who did the work. When the couple split and she tried to get her share of the profits, he painted her (not literally this time) as an eccentric and the whole argument went to court. The judge solved the matter by having two easels brought into the courtroom and ordering the pair to get painting. Walter claimed he had a sore arm while Margaret produced an example of her art and ultimately won the case.
Karaszewski and Alexander have been trying to get this one on its feet for ages, looking to direct it themselves and most recently hiring Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Reynolds for the leads. Burton was attached then, albeit only as a producer, but now he’s in the big chair with The Weinstein Company making a deal to finance and distribute the results. It might not be quite the way the writers wanted it to work, but at least it’ll finally reach screens.
Burton, who worked with the pair on Ed Wood, most recently brought us Frankenweenie. He’s also developing a new take on Pinocchio and an adaptation of Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children.