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Rating: 5 out of 5
We are in the age of superheroes in cinema. Thank you, Marvel and DC, for pumping out so many fun and entertaining films. Do you ever wonder what happens when an actor or actress stops playing the role? Whether they outgrew the role or just want to move on from it. Do you think Robert Downey Jr. will ever play Tony Stark again? The dude was iconic. How about Christian Bale as Batman? We all need a person to say, “I’m Batman.” Whatever the reason one stops, do you think they stand in front of the mirror and remember their lines or even go, “I was a major superhero, and people freakin loved me.” Yes, they probably do that. I wonder if Michael Keaton does it or says I’m Batman. See what I did there? Talked about Keaton because he is the star of this crazy but freakin entertaining film.
Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Birdman is a tale of a washed-up actor who tries to make his story a Broadway hit. Actor Riggan Thomson (Keaton) is a faded actor famous for playing a superhero named Birdman in a film trilogy from 1989 to 1992. Riggan’s mind is warped, to say the least, as he is constantly tormented by the mocking and critical internal voice of Birdman. Riggan also frequently visualizes himself performing feats of levitation and telekinesis that are crazy to look at but bend reality. Riggan wants to re-establish himself as an artist again by writing, directing, and starring in a Broadway adaptation of Raymond Carver’s short story, “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love.” Riggan has staked everything from his name to his last penny to make this play and will do everything possible to make the play a major success. Riggan relies on Jake (Galifianakis), his best friend and lawyer, who is also co-producing the play, his girlfriend Laura (Riseborough), and Broadway beauty Lesley (Watts) to make this play a success. As opening night is approaching, Riggan starts running into some issues. The first one is needing to find a replacement for the integral supporting male role. He decides to hire Mike Shiner (Norton), a difficult actor who is very full of himself and one who could possibly steal the spotlight from him. Riggan also has to deal with his daughter, Sam (Stone), who he has hired to be his production assistant and has just come out of drug rehab. Riggan’s major obstacle is New York Times critic Tabitha Dickinson (Duncan), who wants to destroy Riggan’s play before it even sees the light of day by writing a scathing review. None of these problems compared to the biggest one Riggan has to deal with. His own insecurities about himself that come to him in the form of the Birdman voice. Only time will tell if Riggan can overcome everything and put on a performance of a lifetime.
I want to say that Michael Keaton is PHENOMENAL in this role. Why may you ask? I grew up with Keaton as Batman during the Tim Burton era. I remember hearing him say, I’m Batman and thought it was the coolest thing in the world. One of the reasons Keaton is so excellent is because it seems like he is hearing the Batman voice in his head and that Keaton hasn’t played Batman in a long ass time. You wonder if Keaton is doing this for real, and seeing him run around in those tighty whities is hilarious. Also, I love how Keaton played Riggan as mentally unstable who shot off his own nose. That is commitment.
Let’s talk about the actual plot of this film. I found it hilarious, strange, and intense. It’s hilarious because you have the main character who used to be this big star back in the day from a superhero movie. Once that ended, he is now a faded star looking for that one hit to put him on the map. It almost seemed like we were watching this happen in real life. Keaton was freakin Batman, and his star seemed to fade until he came back stronger than ever. He stayed in movies, but Riggan is trying to go into a different field. Yes, many stars have done Broadway, and this shouldn’t be any different. Still, you soon suspect that Riggan has no talent, and that is why he is doing to prove everyone and their mother wrong.
The actual production of Riggan’s show to preview night is a total shit show. First is the scene when Mike and Riggan are rehearsing, and Mike wants gin. He curses and blows up. You think it’s fake, and then there are people in the audience. Actually, Mike seems to cause so many issues as he fights with Riggan. It’s a funny fight. Then Mike tries to rape Lesley and has a little man problem. All crazy. Also, we really see Riggan’s insecurities come out as he thinks his girlfriend is pregnant, has been married three times, and his daughter is out of rehab. Yet, during all this build-up to the first performance, Riggan’s mind seems to go off the deep end. Homeboy literally levitates at the beginning of the film and then uses powers to destroy his room. In the end, homeboy puts on a performance that blows off his nose. Very entertaining to watch.
The cinematography or camera work is FANTASTIC! To start off, the film with Riggan having a voice-over but levitating in the air is a sight to see. What is fantastic is the whole one-shot concept. You follow along with many characters as they walk down the halls. It makes the film flow so well. I like how the camera moves with the crowd’s perception like you are getting a POV and standing with the characters and seeing their attitude when they leave the stage. Also, in the scene when Riggan is walking down the street and hears the Birdman voice, it’s cool until you see the explosions. It is so good because you see the main character wanting to be back in that world, and it’s pure chaos like in his head.
Also, let’s give a big up to director Alejandro G. Iñárritu. Honestly, when I heard of the movie Birdman, I really put it off but watching this film, homeboy did a marvelous job. I loved his direction, eye for scenes, and how he directed the cast.
As far as the supporting cast goes, we need to start with Edward Norton as Mike. You want to talk about an egotistical asshole, then look no further. Mike is one of those dudes that thinks he is hot stuff but is just a jerk. When he tries to rape Lesley in front of a crowd like it was a porn, he should’ve gotten his ass beat. Then to hit on Riggan’s daughter is a low blow also.
As far as the incredible women, Emma Stone and Naomi Watts are terrific. Stone, as Sam Thomson, is a feisty character. She smokes and has issues with her father but supports him. She also creates a little crush on Mike, which is terrible news. Stone is always a pleasure to watch. Watts as Lesley Truman is also a joy to watch. When she starts making out with one of the female characters, you will go damn! Watts making some moves as Leslie. Yet, she is fun to watch because she almost comes close to whippin Mike’s ass.
Birdman and its long-ass name is a fantastic film. The story is incredible as it seems like this is the direction many of the superhero stars might end up as in the future. Michael Keaton is freakin amazing in this film, and he was by far the right and best choice for the leading role. I love how he brought back his Batman voice to be Birdman. Also, I want to say that the one-shot is impressive and will make your mind trip. Have fun watching Birdman and fly through the sky.
