One of the most anticipated movies on my list recently has been Alejandro Gonzalez Inaritu's
Birdman, a movie starring Michael Keaton which is, more or less, about Michael Keaton. Alongside Keaton in this film are Emma Stone, Zach Galifianakis, and Edward Norton--a personal favorite. So, needless to say, I was pretty much sold on this movie before even walking into the theater. But what I actually got out of that movie was so far beyond what I expected, and I think in a way beyond what anyone expected.
This plot line follows the story of a washed out movie star, Riggin Thomson (Michael Keaton), who is far beyond his glory days and has resorted to starring in and directing an adapted Broadway play. He was famous for the role of the legendary "Birdman" ("Batman"--thanks for the subtle hint, Inaritu), but after turning down the offer to make Birdman 4, which he would later repeatedly regret, Thomson is worn out and all but forgotten in the business, hoping this play will put him back on the map. Emma Stone plays his wasetoid daughter, recently out of rehab, with whom he has a pretty broken relationship. Zach Galifianakis plays his struggling manager, Naomi Watts the female lead of the play, and Edward Norton the spoiled and borderline crazy male lead of the play, as well as Naomi Watt's boyfriend. The story goes through the messy week before the opening of the play, as Riggan's character begins to unfold under the stress, a psychological crash feeling closer and closer as the opening night approaches.
Michael Keaton's performance in this was pretty much exactly ironic and reflective of his character in the movie, as it is likely to put him back on the map himself. I had honestly forgotten about Michael Keaton, as have we all, and this film basically punched me in the face with the message of "he deserves not to be forgotten." His acting was impeccable--he got so much into the character, really understood him, and captured the weirdness of his psyche perfectly. Emma Stone was also superb, as usual, playing out the self-corrupting daughter who was ruined by the movie career the dad held so dear. Edward Norton was incredible in this movie, too, playing out the jerk we all are supposed to hate while keeping the witty, sarcastic humor that we love. Norton really proved himself to be flexible with this role, putting his own definition to the word "crazy" with this abusive, screwed up, manipulative but hilarious dramatic borderline alcoholic personality. I absolutely loved him. Another very memorable performance I must mention is that of Zach Galifianakis. All I can describe of him in this film is that I really didn't expect him to be capable of such good acting, and that he is truly funny in more ways than one. He added not only tasteful comic relief but also an insight on how one is supposed to handle the unbelievable mental instability of his client and best fri
end Riggan.
One of the major factors of this film that wowed me was the cinematography. Inaritu chose to attempt to shoot majority of the film in one take, one continuous camera shot that pans from room to room following the characters fluidly. And I must sat it really worked, especially since the entire shot took place within one building/city block surrounding it. The cinematography also worked in a lot of interesting shots using light, filming light rays and focusing on the specks of dust floating within them--perhaps touching on the theme of insignificance represented by Riggan's character. Another really cool stylistic element that the director chose to include which I thought was worth mentioning was the inner dialogue that goes on within Riggin's head, a manifestation of his imagination that speaks to him his own thoughts, sometimes even going so far as to yell and swear at him. We later realize that this is Birdman himself--the character which Riggin's internal psyche identifies with as his conscience or mind. The soundtrack was also very interesting. It included tracks entirely composed of drumbeats, drum solos and rhythms set to fit the scene. It matched up with the film perfectly the way they employed them, and built suspense as well as creating a way for the audience to relate to and feel what the character is feeling in that moment.
Overall, this movie was absolutely incredible, impressive far beyond what I expected and a definite oscar contender, as well as one of my favorites of 2014.
I'd give Birdman a solid 8.8
/10
