"Birdman (or The Unexpected virtue of Ignorance)" is the story of a washed up actor named Riggan Thompson, played by Michael Keaton, who was best known for his blockbuster roles as an iconic superhero known as "Birdman". 20 years later he has lost the majority of his fans and the respect of his rebellious daughter, played by Emma Stone. Riggan begins his quest to regain the spotlight and display his artistic capabilities through a Raymond Carver adapted play called "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love", which he ambitiously decides to write, direct and star in. However, Riggan's play faces multiple acting changes and disastrous previews along the way, and he must balance the inflated ego of his unpredictable co-star Mike Shiner(Edward Norton), while repairing his relationship with his daughter. But it is Riggan's internal demons, coming in the form of his comic book character, that truly haunt him. Michael Keaton gives a best actor worthy performance as an unpredictable and insanely stressed actor desperately searching for validation while on the precipice of self destruction. Keaton portrays a character committed to giving his career meaning and earning respect on a critical rather than commercial level.
The entire cast delivers fantastic performances, and Alejandro González Iñárritu directs a taut yet out of control film depicting a man's career, and life in shambles. "Birdman" also uses Riggan's career to comment on the current state of Hollywood. Riggan's "Birdman" in his head constantly tries to convince him to "sell out" and give the people what they want, but not what is actually artistic, constantly convincing him to be an explosive box-office actor and not utilizing his talents. This is not only an interesting parallel on Keaton's real-life acting career, which the filmmakers claim to be coincidental, but also a critique on the films that modern production companies make, and how willing the average movie goer is to see it. "Birdman" points out that people are drawn to more explosions and "smoke and mirrors" that true talent and art. While Riggan himself may not actually be a great actor, he is frantic in his quest to prove it. The cinematography and the score reflect this, as the all erratic drumming based score matches Riggans instability, and the overall nature of the out of control play. Thanks to Emmanuel Lubezki's fantastic work with the camera, and some slick editing, "Birdman" appears to be filmed all in one continuous shot, and rarely leaves the dark hallways of the theatre. This highlights the fantastic performances and heightens the emotional tension. Oh and one more thing, Riggan may, or may not, actually contain super powers. This is heavily up for debate, as each theory has conflicting clues, but nonetheless either scenario provides an interesting layer to the story.
The back and forth between Riggan and Shiner is one of the most interesting aspects of the movie. Shiner's acting talent and overall craziness constantly keep Riggan on the edge and adds yet another layer of emotional distress. It is during these moments where Riggan doubts himself and becomes vulnerable to his alter ego, or evil conscience. Riggan's demon is a source of temptation to throw him off his path of achieving sincere artistry for the first time in his career. This film also pits Broadway vs Hollywood, and takes a critical stance on critics themselves, giving the viewer a deeper look on their reasoning and bias. Overall, this is a very well crafted look on an actor's internal ballad between artistic integrity and the blockbuster spotlight, and the destruction his mind will endure as a result. "Birdman" was easily the most thought provoking and multidimensional films I have seen all year. The direction and cinematography were spot on, but the ensemble acting effort is what made this film truly shine. One of the most interesting and original films you will see this year. Keaton delivers the best performance of his career, while Norton and Emma Stone thrive in their roles. In smaller but still crucial roles, Naomi Watts, Zach Galifinakis and Amy Ryan all deliver. Iñárritu submits his finest work to date and takes a huge risk in this movie, luckily it pays off in dividends and gives the viewer a richly engrossing black dramedy.