'Birdman' (or 'The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance') Review
It's nearly impossible to explain 'Birdman' (or 'The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance'), but I'll give you the basic template. Riggan Thompson (played masterfully by Michael Keaton) is a washed up actor who's previous claim to fame was his role as the comic book super hero: Birdman. After years of being a forgotten piece of pop culture trivia from the past, Riggan plans a comeback by writing, directing and starring in an adaption of a Raymond Carver play on Broadway. Nothing goes according to plan as delusions of Riggan's past superhero self come to haunt him, Edward Norton's ego seems it will derail the show, Riggan's daughter and former drug addict (Emma Stone) drops even more emotional anxiety atop his shoulders, these troubles and more pile up, culminating into one hypnotic, funny, yet raw experience that turns out to be not only of the year's best, but one of the best character studies in an extremely long time.
Directed by Alejandro G. Inarritu('Babel', '21 Grams'), 'Birdman' holds the illusion that you are witnessing one unbroken take for almost all of the movie. It's certain that there is some help from computer effects, yet it's almost impossible to tell where these transitions are. The film has a dreamlike quality, in which you float around like a fly on the wall. This style feeds in perfectly to the art of the theater that the movie tries to convey. You feel as if you are backstage with these actors and the "GO! GO! GO!" pace is expertly handled.
The performances in 'Birdman' are also A-grade. Ed Norton plays the overly-method actor expertly with just the right amount of douchiness. Emma Stone finally gets a film worthy of her talents, and some of her sequences make for the films most emotional moments. Amy Ryan is terrific as Riggan's ex-wife. Naomi Watts, while carrying a smaller role, still turns in some terrific skill. Yet, it is Michael Keaton's show. While Riggan Thompson goes through many more hardships than Keaton, the casting is almost too perfect to be coincidental. Who better to play an actor who was once known for being an extremely famous superhero, than the former Caped Crusader himself? As a matter of fact, there's a sequence when Riggan says he hasn't put on a super suit since 1992, the release year of Keaton's last Batman flick. Coincidence? I THINK NOT! However, all of these connections aside, Keaton makes a truly welcome return to the spotlight with what may very well be his best performance to date. Gone is the crazy eyed Beetlejuice facade, and it is instead replaced with a nuanced, very sad human being. It's the best performance of 2014 and deserves at least an Oscar nod.
'Birdman' is a fantastic piece of work with great writing, acting, music and cinematography. All the stars seem to align with this one, and it may very well be my favorite movie of 2014.
Grade:A+
Review by: Josh McCormack
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