NUMBER 1 OF 2015 SO FAR - BIRDMAN: OR (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE)

Birdman: Or (the unexpected virtue of ignorance) (2015)
Dir: Alejandro González Iñárritu

"Birdman" is a uniquely camera-angled film about fame, relationships, acting, ego, fear of self worth and a preview into the life of a celebrity in the 21^st Century. The film starts with the introduction of its main character Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton); a once top Hollywood action star who is now well into the winter of his fading career.

It is soon apparent that Riggan once played the lead role of "Birdman", a titular role that could be compared to popular fictional superheroes such as Spiderman or the Avengers franchise. It is also obvious that Keaton’s character feels he has had a type-casted career and the role of "Birdman" is more of a curse, which has obviously affected his relationship with his troubled daughter Sam (played by Emma Stone) and his connection with other characters.

Riggan is driven by one sole force, to break the shackles of being a ‘one note’ actor and rekindle his love for acting, which may result in him being happy at least for a little while. Unfortunately all this is blown out of the water when his daughter Sam rants on about the real reasons why Riggan is so obsessed with making the problematic play work. Riggan it seems is trying to find self worth throughout.

Birdman’s location is in an old Broadway theatre where Riggan is directing, writing and starring in the alcohol and ego filled play, “What we talk about when we talk about love”. The play’s production process is falling apart with one night till previews and Riggan is in need of a new lead actor. In steps evidently controversial choice Mike (Edward Norton). The relationships between both Keaton and Norton’s characters show the real pillar of strength and uniqueness behind "Birdman". The uniqueness comes from the film’s script that is interwoven meta of how the audience can relate to the film because the life of these characters is imitating art which is essentially imitating life.

Director Alejandro González Iñárritu makes the film seems like one whole shot throughout and although there are needed transitions between shots (as there are night and day scenes) it is so beautifully done that it draws the audience into the unfolding story. The revolutionary one shot technique is arguably the key to keeping the audience drawn in which coincidently breaks the proverbial fourth wall and helps present the film as being a metaphor for the new everyday problem in today’s computer age society, the fear of self worth.

Although "Birdman" should probably be described as an indie film, there are brilliantly placed ‘below-the-belt’ jokes and elements of humour throughout the film which one does not feel ashamed of laughing at because each joke is well balanced and congratulatory well intertwined with the intellectual theme of the film.

Riggan also abides by his alter-ego’s namesake Birdman. The voice of Birdman can be now and again heard speaking to Riggan in his head. The raspy voice challenges Riggan’s self worth, which gives the source to his twitchiness and why Riggan is constantly agitated. This voice also provides equilibrium to the situation by telling him he is still a superhero and is above everyone. Cue the scene where he allows his alter ego to figuratively and literally ‘take flight’. 

Appreciation to actor Zach Galifankis. He plays Riggan’s agent/manager/producer/lawyer who you constantly root for because he has obviously been dragged into this drama filled world of showbiz by Riggan and at times is the only one is trying to save the production. This is a break through role by Mr Galifankis who usually plays comedy roles, most notably as Alan in the Hangover movies.

Birdman is a very original piece that has set a new pedestal in film making both written and directed, which leaves the audience thinking that whether people are celebrities or 9 to 5 workers at a convenience store, in the end we are all human’s that are ruled by constant need to be significant in an ever growing and competitive society. 

 Superbly original - 8.3/ 10.