showbiz indulges itself at the audience's expense

Rating: 5/10 (16 June 2015)

I do appreciate the technical aspects of this film: the use of single take/shot filming, the incorporation of magic realism as a plot device, and the cynicism/sarcasm directed toward the narcissism and egoism that is ubiquitous within the theatrical community. The acting is very good.
My problem is that all this destructive self-centeredness gets really tedious after about the first half hour of the film. The use of magic realism seems inconsistent, since it is portrayed as a personal delusion throughout the body of the film, only to be shared (rather ambiguously) by one other person at the very end. At that point it is unclear what that shared reality is supposed to mean. Is the film affirming suicide as a path to personal fulfillment? Can Riggan actually fly? Is Sam happy for her father in his desire to "go out on top?" The entire effect is unsatisfying at best.
I have a low tolerance about indulging fools in their folly, I admit. The only character who is worthwhile as a person is Riggan's ex, and she is a very minor character, although essential. Sam's tirade against her father is spot on, but falls flat without acknowledgment.
All in all, a mixed bag of tricks that are altogether un-compelling.