Review – Birdman
This review first appeared in BMA Magazine.
When Sally Field won the Oscar for best actress in 1984, she said in her acceptance speech: “I haven’t had an orthodox career and I’ve wanted more than anything to have your respect. The first time I didn’t feel it, but this time I feel it and I can’t deny the fact that you like me, right now, you like me”.
In the entertainment industry, performers are either adored or respected. Some are lucky to have currency in both – we used to call them movie stars. Filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is a superb examination of the pursuit of validation.
Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) is the former star of a popular superhero movie franchise ‘Birdman’. Thomson is trying to rebuild his career by writing, directing and starring in a play opening on Broadway. As the premiere date nears, Thomson begins to lose his grip on reality as he is agitated by critics (Lindsay Duncan), co-stars (Edward Norton, Naomi Watts and Andrea Riseborough) and his costumed alter ego.
Birdman is a twisted satire of show business set to an acid jazz drum score that’s darkly comic and completely brilliant. Keaton is incredible, as are the rest of the cast with not one shabby performance (no matter how big or small the role). Birdman cleverly deconstructs the current state of the arts and should not be missed.
5/5
Cameron Williams
The Popcorn Junkie
It certainly is such an incredible performance from an actor who’s career can be compared to the character in a few different ways. So pleased Keaton won the Golden Globe and I am sure he will get an Oscar nomination for his efforts!
I loved the autobiographical nature of Keaton’s journey in the film. Hoping for the Oscar recognition too.
I would say from the films which have been nominated for all the awards so far its certainly between Keaton and Redmayne for me!
Great review! I really enjoyed Birdman, I thought the cinematography was really interesting to watch, too. The drumbeat was infectious and kept the film at a nice pace.
The cinematography was most excellent, loved how fluid the film was with editing to make it look like one continuous take. Thanks for reading the review.
Yep. Another reason why I need to see this movie!