Big Eyes, Bigger Lies: Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski on Art, Truth, and Tim Burton

On this episode of Center Stage, Mark Gordon talks with Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, the dynamic screenwriting duo, masters of the offbeat biopic, and the minds behind some of Hollywood’s most fascinating true-life stories. From Ed Wood to The People vs. Larry Flynt to Man on the Moon, their work has consistently blended sharp wit, deep empathy, and a passion for characters living on the fringes of fame and controversy. In this conversation, we dive into their 2014 film Big Eyes, which tells the strange and compelling story of artist Margaret Keane, whose haunting portraits of wide-eyed children captivated the world—while her husband took all the credit. Scott and Larry share how they brought this visually iconic, emotionally charged tale to life, what it was like working with director Tim Burton, and why they’re drawn to the complex truths behind misunderstood public figures.