Much as its title might imply, "Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)" is very, very far off from your typical guns ablazing superhero movie. In fact, it's the brilliant anti-thesis of one and much more than that. "Birdman" is a technical marvel both in its extremely rare cinematographic style and in its in-your-face, super-realistic approach that not only maligns common Hollywood themes but deluges itself into the extremely crazy psyche of a struggling has-been actor.
Washed up actor Riggan Thomson, (Michael Keaton)in the prime of his career, refused an offer to play and reprise his role for a fourth time as Birdman in the highly successful movie franchise of the same name. Thinking that his character, Birdman, has taken over his life and acting career, he tries to reinvent himself by writing and directing a stage play that would push him further as an actor - a task easier said than done. As he gambles everything in the hopes of a successful Broadway debut, Riggan finds himself pushing himself nearer and nearer into the brink of self destruction.
"Birdman" has a lot of elements going for it. On one hand, it criticizes how Hollywood films have destroyed culture and art. It also talks about our current age of social media on how fame is defined by the trending of tweets and hash tags. Let's not forget how it tackles not only the psyche of its main character Riggan but also the numerous people that surround him. Even with those barraging the audience all at the same time, the film is able to make a magical juggling act to balance everything out and in the end, a very strong point on what defines film, art, love and life. Let's be frank though, "Birdman" will disappoint some. It's manic feel may frustrate to those used to non-stop barrages of hollow violence and explosions but this is the kind of film that you need to give ample attention to truly appreciate. Stellar acting, outstanding technical cinematography, gripping story, and a beating, soulful soundtrack make sure that "Birdman" is probably one of the best films to be released in 2015 - and it's just January for crying out loud.
Rating: 5 reels
Why you should watch it:
- stellar acting, outstanding technical cinematography, gripping story, and a beating, soulful soundtrack
Why you shouldn't watch it:
- none that we can think off really
Much as its title might imply, "Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)" is very, very far off from your typical guns ablazing superhero movie. In fact, it's the brilliant anti-thesis of one and much more than that. "Birdman" is a technical marvel both in its extremely rare cinematographic style and in its in-your-face, super-realistic approach that not only maligns common Hollywood themes but deluges itself into the extremely crazy psyche of a struggling has-been actor.
Washed up actor Riggan Thomson, (Michael Keaton)in the prime of his career, refused an offer to play and reprise his role for a fourth time as Birdman in the highly successful movie franchise of the same name. Thinking that his character, Birdman, has taken over his life and acting career, he tries to reinvent himself by writing and directing a stage play that would push him further as an actor - a task easier said than done. As he gambles everything in the hopes of a successful Broadway debut, Riggan finds himself pushing himself nearer and nearer into the brink of self destruction.
"Birdman" has a lot of elements going for it. On one hand, it criticizes how Hollywood films have destroyed culture and art. It also talks about our current age of social media on how fame is defined by the trending of tweets and hash tags. Let's not forget how it tackles not only the psyche of its main character Riggan but also the numerous people that surround him. Even with those barraging the audience all at the same time, the film is able to make a magical juggling act to balance everything out and in the end, a very strong point on what defines film, art, love and life. Let's be frank though, "Birdman" will disappoint some. It's manic feel may frustrate to those used to non-stop barrages of hollow violence and explosions but this is the kind of film that you need to give ample attention to truly appreciate. Stellar acting, outstanding technical cinematography, gripping story, and a beating, soulful soundtrack make sure that "Birdman" is probably one of the best films to be released in 2015 - and it's just January for crying out loud.
Rating: 5 reels
Why you should watch it:
- stellar acting, outstanding technical cinematography, gripping story, and a beating, soulful soundtrack
Why you shouldn't watch it:
- none that we can think off really
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