Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu’s Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is a uniquely flawless movie that promotes a fervent, refreshing perspective of what it is like to be in the show business industry as an aging celebrity. This black comedy is complex in its multilayered story line as it follows the once-famous actor Riggin Thomson, the face of the iconic superhero, Birdman.
Played by none other than the talented Michael Keaton, Riggin Thomson’s character is wholeheartedly trying to reclaim his fame and name in Hollywood by writing, directing, and starring in a Raymond Carver inspired Broadway play titled What We Talk About When We Talk About Love. Throughout the process and many previews of the play, it becomes clear that Riggin Thomson is dealing with many internal conflicts as his Birdman alter ego constantly berates him throughout the film. His sanity is questionable as it is evident that he is uptight and potentially on the edge of a nervous breakdown. It even appears as though Thomson has telekinetic powers as the film opens with Thomson levitating in the middle of his dressing room. The film envelops its audience as they too feel as though they are levitating from their seats, soaring between the realms of reality and fantasy, trying to put together the pieces to understand the big picture.
After being forced to work with Mike Shiner, a pompous movie star played by Edward Norton, Thomson is pushed to move away from his comfort zone in order to make a memorable Broadway performance. There are many layers of vulnerability in this movie as it is clear that Riggin Thomson is struggling not only with his ego and his career, but also with maintaining a relationship with his daughter and ex wife. Emma Stone gives an overwhelmingly fresh performance as she plays Thomson’s drug-addicted daughter newly out of rehab that reluctantly works as his assistant.
With other exquisite supporting performances from Naomi Watts, Zach Galifianakis, Andrea Riseborough, and Amy Ryan this film is sure to grab and keep its audiences attention while leaving them picking their brains when it is over. The dynamic relationships in this movie between Keaton and his supporting cast are brilliantly convincing.
The classical, drum-heavy original motion picture soundtrack plays well into the emotional build-up throughout the film. The technical aspects of the movie as well as the lighting were nothing short of impressive thanks to well-known cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki. In watching this film, it appears to have been shot in one seamlessly fluid, unedited take which further engages its audience into feeling as though they are watching the film take place in real time.
This film is a must see as it will leave audiences in awe. Watch a man whose life has been defined by his fame fight against his ego and finally free his mind as he gives the most convincing and raw performance of his entire career.
hannahscott 