Character: Margaret Keane

Directed by: Tim Burton

Written by: Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski

Produced by: Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski, Tim Burton, Lynette Howell

Cast Members: Christoph Waltz, Danny Huston, Jon Polito, Krysten Ritter

Released date: December 25, 2014

Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama

In the late 1950s and early '60s, artist Walter Keane achieves unbelievable fame and success with portraits of saucer-eyed waifs. However, no one realizes that his wife, Margaret, is the real painter behind the brush. Although Margaret is horrified to learn that Walter is passing off her work as his own, she is too meek to protest too loudly. It isn't until the Keanes' marriage comes to an end and a lawsuit follows that the truth finally comes to light.

Taglines

→ She created it. He sold it. And they bought it.
→ A true story about art and the art of deception.

Trivia

♦ For research, Amy Adams consulted with the real-life Margaret Keane who was in her late 80s. According to Adams, Keane was overwhelmed by the notion that anybody would want to make a film about her life.
♦ Amy Adams liked the script when it was offered to her, but she originally turned down the role of Margaret because the character lacked “a stronger sense of self”. Working on American Hustle gave Adams a new perspective of the character, and the character’s “quiet dignity” won her over. The relationship between the mother and the daughter spoke to her as well.