‘Birdman (or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)’ is the type of film I love to see and write about. That doesn’t mean I thought it was a great film, but Director Alejandro González Iñárritu paints a unique and daring vision and that is always something that I respect immensely. I also enjoy seeing actors leave their comfort zones and explore different genres of film. “Birdman’ dissects the world of acting and it’s over blown self importance while at the same time embracing its’ passion and need to create.
Riggan (Michael Keaton) is a washed up actor who, at the height of his career, played the superhero Birdman in a series of blockbuster movies in the 90’s. He left the franchise right before Birdman 3 for artistic reason, but was never able to recapture that level of glory again (an uncomfortably autobiographical role for Michael Keaton to be playing). Broke and awash in family issues, Riggan decides to write, produce, direct, and star in a Broadway play in a last ditch attempt to show the world his artistic abilities. To add to the pressure, Riggen must deal with Mike (Edward Norton), a temperamental Broadway star, and his estranged daughter Sam (Emma Stone). Both drive him to the edge, but he must work with each in order to make his play work and save what’s left of his family life.
The film is often abstract and even though it flows in a linear fashion, it does not always flow coherently. Scenes often dissolve from one to the next with no discernible transition and leaves the viewer momentarily disoriented. The camera work is interesting, even if it is taxing at times. It feels as if the camera is mounted on a person’s shoulder as it follows the action through the backstage halls. A first person view point that gives the feeling of eavesdropping in on their lives. One plot device that was particularly hard to reconcile with the rest of the story was the evil voice inside Riggan’s head. It’s a bitter and angry version of his Birdman character that reminds Riggan of his past glory and spurs him, almost Satanically, to create his Broadway show. To further blur the lines of reality, when Riggan hears this voice in his moments of solitude he possesses super powers. Whether it’s flight, super strength, or telekinesis, these schizophrenic episodes weave in seamlessly with the reality around him making it all the more confusing.
Riggan’s lawyer/agent Jake (played surprisingly well by Zach Galifianakas) is the only one fully in Riggan’s corner and his only point of reality and sanity. While a steadfast friend, Jake still has his eye on the ball and wants desperately to help keep things together so he can be part of Riggan’s glorious return. Other character relationships are interesting, whether it’s the awkward romance that develops between Ed Norton and Emma Stone’s characters or the lesbian romance between Riggan’s girlfriend and Mike’s soon-to-be ex-girlfriend. While these are all compelling, the true star is Michael Keaton. His portrayal of Riggan may be uncomfortable given how closely it mirrors his real life, but it is definitely an Oscar caliber performance and I hope he is not over looked come Oscar time.
I don’t think this film merits all the praise it has been receiving. I think the fact that it is so unique and also lays bare the vapidness of the acting community strikes a chord with critics as it is not something you see on screen very often. One scene that particularly resonated with me was when Riggan confronted a ruthless theater critic. He states that despite the inherent inaneness of acting, being a critic costs nothing. Artists put everything on the line to create something for the public. They put their livelihoods, their fortunes, even who they are as people on the line just to create something they hope people will enjoy, whereas critics risk nothing. They just sit back and judge and their are no personal consequence to their actions. Something I keep in mind when I write.
I recommend this film for its’ uniqueness and to see well known actors in a different light. I give this film *** stars
No comments:
Post a Comment