The Unexpected Last 30" of Birdman

Rating: 7/10 (12 June 2015)

I sat through the first three-quarters of this movie wondering if I was the only viewer whose eyes rolled in exasperation. After reading most of the current responses on here, clearly I wasn't alone in my irritation at the histrionic, over-the-top neurotics (including Keaton's character) whose "problems" I'm supposed to take to heart? Or find amusing? Neither. By the time Riggan confronts the make-you-or-break-you critic whose review, she predicts, will kill Riggan's play and career (Lindsay Duncan as Tabitha - best or least overacted performance?) I agreed with her assessment: "Entitled, selfish, spoiled children". As I had company arriving I switched the DVD player off and only watched the last quarter next day. Ironically, as soon as it morphs into the sort of SFX, CGI blockbuster territory that Birdman (the superhero) inhabits, my interest perked up. To the extent of deciding to watch it again. Well, at least it's not Titanic. Stand by for 2nd impression! NEXT DAY: on second viewing I warmed to Birdman. Perhaps I was feeling more empathy for the character of Riggan (which name, pronounced by American actors, sounded more like Regan, King Lear's ungrateful daughter). I smiled more at the wit and soared more at the ending. I still don't know what we're supposed to make of Riggan's telekinetic powers - are they real or fantasised? observed by others (as in the final frames, his daughter looks up to see Dad in the air)? or simply a metaphor for power? Never mind: it's a movie that stretches the envelope and that, if nothing else, has to be a Good Thing.