“From far away you look like an artist, but up close you’re nothing”, a line from Tim Burton’s new film, Big Eyes, that could come to describe the trajectory of his career. Throughout the 80’s and 90’s he established a reputation as the kind of auteur situated comfortably between the demands of art and commerce; meaning he could adapt all sorts of brands to the screen, whether they be a comic book (Batman), television show (Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure) or even trading card (Mars Attacks!), all while maintaining a distinctly personal touch arisen from gothic horror, expressionism, animation and mid-20th century kitsch.
