Intro:
This was a movie seemingly about everything. One that mixed the logical with the surreal in a way where I first left the theatre scratching my head as to whether or not I thought it was any good. Not even the person I was with could make heads or tails of it. After numerous viewings though, it cemented itself as a great film in my eyes and the obvious "Best Picture" pick for the 2015 Oscars.
Review:
I think where my fascination and enjoyment with this film begins is in how seamless it feels for being so many things at one time. Blending standard narrative with surreal imagery is no easy feet, but this movie attempts to weave a hundred different messages throughout as well. Attacking everything from the modern impact of social media to the nature of professional reviewers and what they're work actually means (which makes me feel somewhat awkward making a review about this film).
All of those present themes are handled by incredible actors giving some of their best performances to date. Each role manages to surpass the size of their character by being emotionally ranged and honest. The idea of actors playing actors (for the most part) is what gave Naomi Watts and Edward Norton an opportunity to perform with the depth they did. Michael Keaton working with an even stronger coincidence playing an ex-superhero actor who is struggling to rediscover his place in his own profession (although his career path was not nearly as dramatic as it was in the movie). Even Zack Galifianakis holds his own in this movie against those other powerhouses by bringing a comedic, yet serious aspect to the palette of characters in "Birdman". You start to forget that everyone is acting, and begin to only see their temporary personas
The story is then complemented again by the simplistic, but elegant cinematography. Emmanuel Lubezki earned his second Oscar with this film through a mixture of his technique and stedicam style The technique though is something to more directly appreciate. Filming in such long takes and stitching them together creates a realistic feel to the movie, as well as a subtle mimicry for stage performances (as the film is about a man putting on a theatre play).
One other thing I'd like to comment on is the score. There are a number musical instruments used, but the score primarily consists of a single drummer. It is a singular instrument that laces the entire movie with a frenetic pace and energy that strangely fits the story it's a part of. And on my most recent viewing I noticed something for the first time. There are multiple moments where the drumming passes from nondiegetic to diegetic sound. I had caught that from the first watch but I never gave it a second thought until now. It is a strange and inventive way to break the fourth wall with music and interact with the audience.
Conclusion:
This movie won Oscars for "Best Picture", "Best Director", and "Best Cinematography" for a reason. Birdman is an amalgamation of brilliant acting, camerawork and thematic messages that truly gets to you. It is not something I could swallow whole on the first viewing and I wouldn't be surprised if someone walked out unconvinced of the legitimacy regarding its praise. But the greatest action you can take is giving "Birdman" a second viewing, then sitting back and letting it sink in.
Score:
5 / 5 (this movie also manages to be hilarious at the same time)
