The time has finally arrived as one of the most anticipated films in Alejandro González Iñárritu's Birdman is finally making its way to the big screen. Telling the story of a fading actor who is best known for his portrayal of a popular superhero as he attempts a comeback via the Broadway stage, the film offers up a unique experience thanks largely to its all-star cast and unique tone. And though it isn't the flawless piece of art that we had expected, its pretty damn close, setting the bar high as award season gets into full swing.
Michael Keaton is out on a mission, fully embodying a role that he can somewhat relate to in the form of Riggan Thomson and giving audiences a strong look at the actor we all knew that he could be. Flexing his acting muscles between a hard, confident delivery and the underlying emotional insecurity that comes with anyone who doubts themselves, Keaton thrives, showing off his diversity and carrying the film during its unusual down moments.
Keaton's Thomson is a man who shot to fame as the big-screen superhero Birdman. But he quit the gig after three films, assuming that the grass was a bit greener on the other side of the pasture. Now he is deperate for some degree or respect amongst the critics, his peers and his fans. What better place to turn than Broadway. When a hotshot stage actor joins the production merely hours before the first preview, Riggan's self-doubt (often served up as the voice of Birdman in his head) goes into complete and utter overdrive.
It is during these monologues with himself that Keaton really shines, giving audiences a glimpse into his brilliance. Complement that with the fact that he shares such great chemistry with his co-stars, and it is no wonder that he is smack dab in the middle of the best actor Oscar race.
Speaking of his supporting cast, Keaton could not ask for better performances than the ones he got from Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton, Emma Stone and Naomi Watts. Each brought a unique perspective to the rather unusual story, putting their mark on the film without ever overshadowing the true star, Keaton's Thomson. Each thrive in the long, unbroken takes that help give the film its unique flow, allowing audiences to get wrapped up in the characters as the story flows with ease and an authentic demeanor.
While the ending is a bit loopy (actually, the entire film could be classified as such), I have to give mad props to Alejandro González Iñárritu for his creation. Not only did he conjure up a truly magical film that is unlike anything else I have seen all year, but he did it with style, class and a convincing story. And though we never do get an answer to just how powerful the Birdman really is, we do get to finally see just how brilliant the film Birdman is.
