Review: Birdman

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Or the unexpected virtue of ignorance. 

Riggan (Michael Keaton) is a has been actor who was famous for playing a super hero called Birdman. He's trying to stay relevant by directing and starring in his own broadway play. He clashes with his diva co star, Mike. (Edward Norton) His fresh out of rehab daughter, Sam (Emma Stone) resents him and is working as his assistant. He's driving his best friend/producer, Jake (Zach Galifianakis) crazy. Andrea Riseborough, Naomi Watts, and Amy Ryan also star.

Birdman is so batshit crazy that I'm not even sure how it works, but it does. It's shot in "one continuous take."(Really there were a few edits made, but they're not easily spotted) There's always loud music playing. Riggan appears to move things without touching them and his alter ego Birdman is the voice in his head. The film is beautifully spazzy and all over the place.

Let's talk the the actors, because they're wonderful here. Admittedly, I can't remember the last time I saw a movie with Keaton in it that blew me away, but he's certainly fantastic here. The supporting cast is equally strong with Norton, Watts, and Stone all possible Oscar contenders in my opinion.

I haven't seen a lot of director Alejandro González Iñárritu's films, but the ones I have felt a bit more bleak than this. This felt so different, and now I need to check out more of his filmography.

Recommended: Yes

Grade: A+

Memorable Quote: "...play with my balls." - Mike (Edward Norton)

Comments

  1. KatyNovember 18, 2014 at 9:58 AM

    Good review! I really can't wait and hope to see this one.

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamNovember 18, 2014 at 12:34 PM

      Thank you! I hope you can see it soon too. I think you'd like it.

      Delete
  2. Chris WiddopNovember 18, 2014 at 12:15 PM

    Nice review. Yeah, this cast was something else, wasn't it? Honestly, I'd even throw Galifianakis in there for Oscar contender, he really impressed quite a bit as well. One of the better ensembles I've seen in some time. :)

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamNovember 18, 2014 at 12:32 PM

      He was great too. We'll definitely see them in the SAG ensemble category.

      Delete
  3. Candice FrederickNovember 18, 2014 at 6:40 PM

    VERY different from Iñárritu, who i love usually. it's such a departure, i actually kinda wish it was a little more bleak. But I the cast (especially keaton an norton) were terrific.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamNovember 19, 2014 at 7:57 AM

      I think if it had been bleaker it would've been pretty depressing. I liked the tone.

      Delete
  4. m.brownNovember 18, 2014 at 9:33 PM

    I'm rather desperate to see this. Keaton looks perfectly unhinged in what little footage I've seen. If only I didn't live in East Bumfuck, USA, maybe I'd have a chance at catching this one on the big screen.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamNovember 19, 2014 at 7:57 AM

      If I can see it in Mid West Bumfuk, USA, it's got to come near you. I think this film is right up your alley.

      Delete
  5. AnonymousNovember 18, 2014 at 10:58 PM

    I should watch this one, too. Although I have only watched Babel so far (out of Innaritu's works), but, watching Keaton "flies" again is so tempting.
    Great review, anyway!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamNovember 19, 2014 at 7:38 AM

      You definitely should! It's far better than Babel, which admittedly I didn't care for.

      Delete
  6. s.November 20, 2014 at 1:28 PM

    I cannot wait to see it, I generally like Inarittu but this looks a bit different than the stuff he usually did

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousNovember 20, 2014 at 8:12 PM

    I'm totally on the Keaton comeback squad...such a great performance by him and everyone involved! Great review!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamNovember 21, 2014 at 8:35 AM

      Thank you! Yes, everyone all around was so great. SAG award for them, please!

      Delete
  8. JoshDecember 2, 2014 at 1:36 PM

    Yay! This is my favorite film of the year right now. Keaton and the rest of the cast were fantastic here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 3, 2014 at 7:54 AM

      One of my favorites too. I can't wait to see it again.

      Delete

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