I had no idea what to expect when I decided to watch Birdman. I saw a trailer, a few movie stills, and that was it. I had no idea I’d be stepping into a bizarre film with amazing cinematography, fun acting, and an unusual premise. I just thought it was going to be a comedy. I like being wrong.
Here’s a brief synopsis. Michael Keaton plays an actor who’s superhero movie career is replaced with the theater. As he struggles to get his play in pique condition before opening night, he finds himself struggling with insane actors, an angsty daughter, his pushy best friend, and his own sanity.
The first thing I noticed when watching the film was the way it was shot. The camera follows everyone in a way that makes you feel like you’re some invisible eavesdropper. It blends a little fantasy with reality as the camera swoops through windows, drifts around corners, and hovers along hallways, anticipating what’s about to happen.
Michael Keaton may not act much anymore, but he still shows off that he can be funny, dramatic, and crazy all in one scene. He owns being the star not only in the movie, but as the washed up Riggan. Emma Stone is around for a few bits here and there as Keaton’s daughter, and she’s nice to watch, though she looks like she could use a sandwich. Zach Galifianakis is hard to not see as Zach Galifianakis. I don’t know why he, as an actor, always pulls me out of a picture, but he just does. I think that’s just me.
I’m not going to be long winded about it, but everyone is great in this film. Naomi Watts, Ed Norton, Andrea Riseborough, and the rest, are awesome to watch. So, the movie has the actors in spades.
Where it gets strange for me is the actual story, which I realize is the point. There are a lot of weird things that happen that just confuses me. And though I understand why those elements are there, it just didn’t add to the enjoyment of the film, for me. I ended up with a few, “Huh?”, moments. I’m aware that’s part of the artistry of this movie, but I could have used fewer moments like that.
If you’re looking for an art house, black comedy, then look no further. Sometimes I think movies like Birdman are an acquired taste, but I believe that even the general viewer will get a kick out of the performances and the overall strangeness. It’s 7.5 beaks out of 10.
