Mythic Redemption Nests Between the Chaos of Left Coast Self Centeredness and the Rigidity of East Coast Intellectualism

Rating: 8/10 (2 August 2015)

Birdman evokes mythical tales of tragedies and redemption, calling to mind for me similar mythically inspired tales such as The Wayfarer. What is most impressive (among the many most impressive facets of this movie) is that it does not sink into the pathetic while at the same time suggesting that is exactly what was going on with the play within the play as well as its characters. Birdman is no longer Birdman, but is a broke and balding man with a badgering id. His wife cannot forgive him. His new 'star' is impotent save for settings where it may bring the roar of the crowd. And so forth.
But most intriguing is the manner in which Birdman evokes how we talk to ourselves about who we wanted to be, who we are, who we wish to be again, and how we struggle with potency lost, and our unquenchable desire to regain our younger self, notwithstanding our certain knowledge that we were not all that great, particularly not to loved ones. Yet it is exactly as that lust for an imaginary past is relinquished that are souls are loosed and we are truly freed, truly possessed of a bit of invincibility, and a hint of immortality, and one never knows, perhaps a capacity for love.
I had not planned to watch this movie and was skeptical of its talent laden cast, thinking, uh-oh, this is about assembling a money making machine. Now, I look forward to soaring with Birdman again.