Friday, January 30, 2015

Review of BIRDMAN: Rejuvenating Redemption

January 30, 2015




Riggan Thomas was an actor who is remembered only for a masked flying superhero he played decades back. Now much older, he is obsessed to prove his relevance as an actor today by producing, directing and starring in a revival of a serious dramatic play on Broadway. His quest for artistic excellence and recognition is challenged by family issues, problematic co-stars, scathing critics and the ghost of his own past Hollywood success.

Michael Keaton is an inspired choice to play Riggan Thomas. He seemed like he was playing out his own career arc onscreen. This actor who is known mainly for playing the first iconic cinematic Batman back in 1989. Of course he had other good films like "Beetlejuice" and "My Life", but it will always be "Batman" he is remembered for. As Riggan, Keaton displayed his full range as a desperate actor on the cusp of insanity. 

The supporting cast is also very impressive. Edward Norton plays the charismatic and irascible Mike Shiner.  His deadpan delivery of the film's most absurd lines was incredibly on point. Emma Stone shines as Riggan's rebellious daughter fresh out of rehab. Her enigmatic smile at the end will puzzle you and inspire discussions. 

Zach Galifianakis veers from his usual comic schtick to play Riggan's manager Jake. Naomi Watts plays Lesley, Mike's girlfriend who was making her Broadway debut in Riggan's seemingly doomed play. The very elegant Andrea Riseborough plays Laura, Riggan's current girlfriend. Amy Ryan plays Sylvia, Riggan's sympathetic ex-wife.

The story in its barest bones may be familiar -- the struggle of actors between Hollywood commercialism and the "legitimate" theater stage. In "Birdman", director Alejandro Inarritu, whom I had long admired for his complex films like "Amores Perros" and "21 Grams," tells the story from the point of view of an aging actor going mad. This approach led to unforgettable over-the-top images and fantastic situations that set this film apart. Its jazzy percussion-driven musical score will further unsettle you.

There is also that cinematographic achievement of Emmanuel Lubezki of creating what seems to be one long continuous take throughout the film, following characters as they walk through doors, hallways, stairs and stage and streets. If there was any film editing done at all, this was seamless and undetectable. That special visual effects had to be integrated into these continuous live action shots was amazing. I will really have to watch this film again to see this technical feat again more closely. 

Overall, this film deserves its place among the best films of the year. It can be polarizing as the topic may not be of any particular interest for some people, and they may find this film pretentious and irrelevant. However, people who love the theater (and film) will get all the inside jokes and hidden barbs scattered within its darkly witty script. For sheer audacity of tackling prickly issues about the entertainment industry with raw frankness and such cinematic brilliance, I think this film is bound for the Oscar Best Picture glory. 10/10.



18 comments:

  1. You know I could not get into this one. My husband enjoyed Birdman, but I didn't care for it. It is too dark for me. I have heard of the Oscar whispers, but it just did not cut it foe this movie goer..

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  2. I haven't watch the movies, but I understood the struggles, even though I am not an actor in the Hollywood scene.

    To me, the movie seems more like a tribute and a recognition to the unsung struggling heroes and heroines.

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  3. Wow, to give it a full mark will definitely bring up my expectation for this film... I wasn't planning to watch this film, but now that you've put it... I think I might just go catch it!

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  4. Never heard of Birdman, but sounds like it's a good one... Thanks a lot for the wonderful review, might trying to watch it.

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  5. 10 / 10. This film ought to be promising. If it stars Michael Keaton, it should be worth watching. I think Michael Keaton is a good choice to play the role of Riggan - I can already imagine him as the "a desperate actor on the cusp of insanity."

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  6. Never heard of this movie, though it sounds a little familiar.... I might have seen the trailer but just didn't take notice of it. From your review, it sounds like an awesome movie! I think I'll catch it!

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  7. While I was reading really made me think that this is not for me. But if this is given 10/10 rating. this is something. This made me curious now! Hmmm, where do I get a copy of this?

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  8. Now, I'm intrigued with the story of birdman. This looks like a really great portrayal of the character and flow of the story.

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  9. I have heard such great reviews of this one! It will definitely bag an Oscar!

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  10. I've been hearing a lot of Birdman. It looks so meaningful and well-done! Definitely trying it out ASAP!

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  11. I've watch the film online. And to be honest , I find the film quite boring. I guess, I am more of the action genre. Still, you have a very nice review.

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  12. Edward Norton is one my favorite actors so his appearance there gives me enough reasons to watch the movie, moreover I read a lot of superlatives about the script and your review is brilliant!

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  13. I saw this one and found the storyline and surrealism very interesting. It's not a movie for everyone, but if you love movies that make you think, this is one to see. Ed Norton was brilliant in it. Ditto Keaton.

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  14. I should watch this. Emma Stone. Edward Norton. Michael Keaton is the Batman I am familiar with. For some reason, I thought Bill Murray is the main actor.

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  15. I'm not really into movie. The only birdman I've watched was cartoon when I was still a kid.

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  16. Haven't watch this one yet but I am planning to do so soon. Heard a lot of praises about this film. Great to know that you enjoyed watching it.

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  17. Haven't seen this one but I think it is still great to check it otu and watch it.

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  18. Not my kind of movie, haven't watched it and probably won't watch it either. Maybe my brothers, I guess :)

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