Amy Adams finds herself keen pupil in 'Big Eyes'

Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY 9:31 p.m. EST December 18, 2014

LOS ANGELES — Margaret Keane was far from starstruck when she learned that five-time Oscar nominee Amy Adams was going to be portraying her in Big Eyes.
"People started telling me it was Amy Adams, and their eyes were popping out," says Keane, shrugging. "But I didn't know who Amy Adams was."
The comment sends Adams into laughter, sitting beside Keane on a balcony of the Four Seasons Hotel.
Give an 87-year-old artist a little bit of a break: "I am too busy painting for movies," Keane says.
RELATED: 'Big Eyes' is a window into real artist's soul
There has been a parade of actresses looking to play the striking-blond Keane, who was secretly painting the ubiquitous "big eyes" paintings in the 1950s and 60s, while her husband Walter was taking credit.
Producers/screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski have worked independently since 2003 to bring the story to the screen, with Kate Hudson originally looking to play Margaret. But financing for the project fell through when the economy tanked in 2008.
In 2012, Ryan Reynolds was attached to play Walter and Reese Witherspoon to play Margaret. "But three weeks before we were supposed to start shooting, Reese found out she was pregnant," says Keane. "That blew that out of the water."
Finally, Christoph Waltz and Adams were secured, with Tim Burton directing. Adams got a proper introduction to Keane when the two met in San Francisco at the Keane Eyes Gallery. First point was daughter talk. Adams pulled out pictures of her now 4-year-old daughter Aviana.
"Oh, yeah, I showed a lot of pictures," says Adams.
"Her girl is just adorable," says Keane.
Adams also met Keane's grown daughter Jane Swigert, 65, an important hook in the story. It was Keane's concern about her daughter's well-being that prompted many of her dramatic life moves, including leaving Walter, who was acting increasingly irrational.
"It was the relationship with the daughter which pulled me in originally, and it was something I understood," says Adams. "Sometimes you stay in a situation because it's best for your daughter, but it's also the reason to leave ultimately."

There was also the painting. Adams did not paint much on camera. But she can handle a brush and thought Keane's style is something she could emulate, There just wasn't time for that kind of prep work. But she especially studied how Keane carried herself when sitting down to paint. And Adams did some hands-on work on a paradise scene which now hangs in Keane's gallery.
"You did a pretty good job with that leaf," says Keane.
"I painted a leaf on a Keane painting," says Adams. "That's pretty cool."
The relationship has blossomed to such a point that Keane has actually watched Amy Adams' clips and vows to do "even more research." The concept sends Adams into a brief tailspin as she recalls her racy 2013 Oscar-nominated role as a con artist.
"American Hustle will not convince you that I can play you onscreen, I can tell you that now," says Adams. "Just skip that one."

'Big Eyes' is based on the true story of painter Margaret Keane, played by Amy Adams. Christoph Waltz plays her husband who attempts to claim credit for her art. VPC