The buzz surrounding this Oscar decorated film was so large that I had to review it as soon as it won several accolades. I rented “Birdman” in the comfort of my home and gave myself the ability to watch it twice, (which I suggest to all viewers) so that I was able to immerse myself properly in such a complex film.
Michael Keaton stars as a has-been actor, Riggan Thomson, who portrayed a fictitious superhero Birdman early in his career and wants to believe his career means more than just that role. Riggan concocts a project to write, direct and star in a Broadway play so that he can prove his life’s work of acting was more than fighting crime as a feathered vigilante.
The film is shot in such a style that it appears to the audience that scenes are successive and one just follows the other without the use of any cuts. This type of pacing is what allows the film to flow so smoothly without the audience having time to question the chaos that unfolds during production of Riggan’s play.
Even if you wanted to attempt to pinpoint where director Alejandro G. Inarritu cut certain scenes, you would only be missing out on the intricacies each scene has to offer. From meticulous close-ups merely inches away from the actors, to sky-scraping scenes bringing you around New York City, “Birdman” is a film full of extremes… and that is just the beginning.
Michael Keaton is absolutely incredible as the leading actor that shares many career similarities with his character. Being a former superhero actor who has never reached the same popularity since, Keaton gives a riveting performance about a man with an intense internal struggle he must find peace with.
Also confronting his own real world stigma, Edward Norton co-stars as Mike Shiner a talented but infamously temperamental stage actor who steps into Riggan’s production just days before it is set to release. Norton, known for his baggage and standoffish nature over the years finds a balance between cockiness and earnestness in the film.
Other notable performances include Zach Galifianakis as Riggan’s manager and the film’s only voice of reason during the production’s madness is honest and endearing. Emma Stone plays Riggan’s daughter/assistant who is fresh from rehab and anything but a daddy’s girl. Amy Ryan (as Riggan’s ex-wife) is one of the few in the film who truly understand the internal struggle which takes place between Riggan and his Birdman alter ego. Naomi Watts also lends her talents in the form of a neurotic cast member.
Overall “Birdman” is an absolute blast. From being satirical to sincere, depressing but also heartwarming the film never loses its “fun” and tiptoes a balance beam of being emotionally rich and being impressively technical. The story is all about extremes and Director Alejandro G. Inarritu seamlessly pulls it off effortlessly. It is very evident that the crew worked extremely hard on this project and the amount of enjoyment you will find as a result will reflect that. “Birdman” earns a five out of five on my rating scale for supreme screenwriting, dedicated actors and a unique sense of cinematography that twists and turns consistently for two hours.