The Entirely Expected Virtues of Creation

Rating: 8/10 (24 February 2015)

I wrote this review halfway based off the fact that I'm sick of reading poor reviews by people who must not enjoy interesting, unique cinematography. Before seeing this movie, understand that director Alejandro González Iñárritu incorporates a very unique filming technique. Birdman has a total of 16 cuts, meaning that the majority of the film was shot on sequence. This is a task impressive in itself. What makes this movie a great one is the fact that it leaves much to the imagination; it is not another simple product of Hollywood, ready to be spoon-fed to the masses. It requires ongoing thought and the ending leaves nothing to be desired for, and it is entirely what you make it. What I found most striking about Birdman is the interesting character arcs of all those involved, primarily in Keaton and Stone. Edward Norton does not disappoint (of course) in his parodical portrayal of a difficult to work with actor. Emma Stone's depiction of a distant daughter fresh out of rehab is wholly believable and shows the audience her capacity as an actress. The always surprising Zach Galifianakis offers subtle comedic relief and was wonderfully cast as Keaton's manager/friend/producer/lawyer. And yet I was most impressed with Michael Keaton in the leading role. Growing up watching his films, I felt as if Birdman was a kind of tribute to an actor that the public has all but forgotten. As the film progresses, he emits a remarkable range of identities. The washed-up actor striving for fame again, a father reminiscent on his past mistakes, a lover who disappoints those he cherished, and an earnest superhero under it all. His final portrayal as a true artist (certainly not by means of unexpected ignorance) is one to be remembered.