10 Times Movies Changed Real Life For Being Too Unbelievable
5. Walter's Self Cross-Examination Was Even Wilder - Big Eyes
Tim Burton's rather underappreciated 2014 drama Big Eyes revolves around the relationship between American artist Margaret Keane (Amy Adams) and her second husband Walter (Christoph Waltz), who took credit for her iconic paintings of people with large eyes.
The movie climaxes with Margaret suing Walter for slander and libel after he calls her delusional when she publicly reveals she was the true artist of the paintings.
The eccentric Walter ends up representing himself in court, and more to the point, even cross-examines himself as a witness.
It's a total and utter farce, enough that you couldn't be blamed for believing that Burton had insisted upon some kooky theatrics to spice things up.
But in actuality, Walter's real court conduct was even more outlandish than depicted in the film, putting on far more of a show while cross-examining himself, enough that the judge actually threatened to duct tape his mouth when he wouldn't stop talking.
According to screenwriter Larry Karaszewski, he felt the need to "pull back a bit", presumably given the abject absurdity of Walter going full ham in the courtroom.