Birdman (January 2015)

Official Australian release date: 15/1/15. Viewed: 11/1/15.

Director: Alejandro Iñárritu

Actors: Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, Emma Stone, Zach Galifianakis

Genre: Drama

Rating: MA

‘Birdman’ is an interesting film, but also a movie about a Broadway play – not the most invigorating subject. The concept of a former Comic Book Movie Star trying to re-start his acting career on Broadway is certainly unique, and the film has a great look – especially the way it’s filmed to look almost as if it’s one continuous shot. There’s a few laughs, but this is definitely not a comedy.

Keaton (Riggan) is great and ably supported by Stone (Sam, his daughter), Norton (Mike – happy to get around in underpants or his birthday suit for most of his scenes) & Watts (Lesley, his co-stars), although Galifianakis is a little wasted. Even though the cinematography is good, the fact it’s basically one shot means there’s a fair bit of wasted time as we follow characters down hallways. Probably could’ve been a 100min film, rather than two hours. The other thing I found annoying was the drum/cymbal fills – they’re in his mind, but are very distracting.

It’s essentially about ego and the driving force behind actors. Sure, Riggan is a more delusional character than most actors (hopefully!), driven by his insecurity. As the critic says to him: “you’re not an actor – you’re a celebrity”. Burn. The ending is, like the whole film, different, but not completely satisfying.

Overall: A curious insight into acting and vanity.

Gav's Rating: 3.5 stars.