Birdman

I took advantage of a free afternoon to go and see Birdman. The film largely focuses on Michael Keaton as Riggan Thompson, a washed up Hollywood actor primarily famous for his role as the titular Birdman in a popular comic book trilogy (obviously inviting a comparison with Keaton's own career). In what feels like a last ditch attempt to reestablish himself, he makes a number of financial sacrifices to fund a Broadway adaptation of a Raymond Carver story. The action predominantly takes place behind the scenes at the theatre with the cast and crew. The plot sees Thompson grasping for relevance in the modern age whilst being tormented by his superhero alter ego.

Keaton's role in this film is being discussed in relation to awards season and it's not difficult to see why, as he provides a complex performance of real depth. Edward Norton's arrival as lunatic method actor Mike Shiner drops a bomb into proceedings and the scenes of conflict between the two men (at one point literally going toe to toe) are a particularly joy. Zach Galifaniakis provides his finest screen performance to date as Thompson's cynical, long suffering producer and lawyer, Jake. Emma Stone also shines as Sam, portraying Thompson's troubled daughter with a wild eyed, striking intensity.

The film looks stunning with the scenes at the theatre almost seamlessly weaved together, while an almost exclusively percussive soundtrack adds tension and a sense of off kilter rhythm to proceedings. My favourite scene involved Thompson taking on Tabitha Dickinson, the New York Times' theatre critic (played by Lindsay Duncan) that reminded me of Teddy Roosevelt's famous quote about "the man in the arena". Is the artist's work always more valuable than that of the critic?* Or is Thompson a vacuous Hollywood celebrity who knows nothing of real art?

It's not without problems and it's a little way short of being the five star worthy film hailed by the critics. The fantastical finale to the film is spectacular but sidelines the supporting players. Naomi Watts' actress character also feels poorly drawn. A scene involving her and an attempted rape is brushed off as being part of Shiner's drive towards authenticity in the theatre which feels uncomfortable to say the very least.

Ultimately, Birdman is a confusing and disorientating ride but an enjoyable and fascinating look into the nature of art and celebrity. I suspect it's the type of movie which warrants repeat viewing and I look forward to seeing it again.



*What I suppose I would describe as the "Ratatouille" argument.