“Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” is my type of film. Between Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu’s directing, Emmanuel Lubezki’s cinematography and an all-star cast’s dynamic acting, “Birdman” was a repeated name at this year’s Golden Globes, winning Best Actor in a Musical or a Comedy and Best Screenplay as well as receiving five other nominations. Thought-provoking, hilarious, dark and experimental, the movie tracks Riggan Thomson as he attempts to reclaim his big-screen stardom on Broadway.
After his fame has largely faded, Riggan (Michael Keaton) writes, produces, directs and stars in an adaptation of Raymond Carver’s “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love.” Desperate to salvage his fame without stooping to “Birdman 4,” he invests all his hope and money into this production, but chaos behind the scenes jeopardizes it all.
Keaton executes a spectacular performance, winning him a well-deserved Golden Globe. He effortlessly portrays a wide spectrum of emotions from heartbreak and frantic anxiety to self-righteous fury, all without melodrama. Edward Norton portrays Mike, a master actor who, despite being a savant and Broadway’s darling, is painfully vulnerable. This vulnerability paired with his bipolar tendencies make Norton’s role quite memorable. Emma Stone does a wonderful job as Sam, the ex-addict who seeks her father’s approval in the same breath that she denounces it. Her strongest scenes are when she banters with Norton, yells an unforgettable monologue and closes the movie with a silent shot. Zach Galifianakis, Naomi Watts, Andrea Risborough and Natalie Gold all play great supporting roles as well.
What sets “Birdman” apart in my mind is not its acting, but its cinematography. The film is shot in a way that makes it appear to all be one take. This imbues the film with a realism that heightens the frenzied tension. What’s more, this challenging style forces all the actors to be on point in what must have been a dizzying feat of memorization and choreography. Each scene is brimming with minute details as well, reinforcing the surreal sense of realism that gives this movie so much emotional power.
With regards to the plot, “Birdman” keeps the audience guessing. The movie is loaded with twists but the storyline does not feel contrived or difficult to follow. The dialogue is witty as well as insightful and keeps things moving at a brisk pace. Jazz musician Antonio Sanchez’s score, composed entirely of moody minimalistic drumming, develops an edgy and chaotic mood that fits the film like a glove. I really enjoyed Sanchez’s cameo as well.
There is little to nothing to critique about “Birdman,” but that said, this film is not for everyone. The black humor, the chaos, the ambiguity and the protagonist’s flirtations with insanity may be off-putting to some moviegoers, especially if they are expecting a typical superhero movie. However, if you enjoy films that strive to break the mold of modern cinema, “Birdman” will provide you with an unprecedented cinematic experience. Catch this Golden Globe winner at Broadway Centre Theatre before it’s too late.
@ChronyArts