Keaton gives an honest and vulnerable performance worthy of recognition

Rating: 8/10 (17 February 2015)

Michael Keaton has already bagged the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Leading role and is steadily becoming a favourite for the Academy Award (although it'll be hard to beat Eddie Redmayne's portrayal of Stephen Hawkings). The interest surrounding Keaton's character in Birdman states a little too close to home as a washed up actor who is remembered for playing a caped, superhero in his glory years. Writer and director Alejandro Gonzáles Iñárritu (mouthful!) delivers an eccentric, art-house production, innovative film making and an enchanting script with unparallelled performances from its cast.
Actor Riggan Thompson (Keaton) is an actor renowned for his role as superhero, Birdman. Now years later, Thompson attempts to redeem any reputation he has left by writing, directing and starring in a Broadway play and in the process laying his wealth, his family and his sanity on the line.
Each actor adds their own element to the movie which compliments Keaton's character perfectly, instead of just feeding from his reactions. There are some fantastic performances from Naomi Watts, Zach Galifianakis, Emma Stone and the brilliant Ed Norton who almost steels the show as an obnoxious stage actor. Keaton, as an actor, has flown under the radar throughout his career, aside from playing some iconic characters which, of course, included Tim Burton's unmistakable incarnation of the Caped Crusader and not forgetting fan-favourite, the ghost with the most, Beetle Juice. His role choices have limited his acting skills to churning out mediocre movies and guest appearances on popular TV shows. It has only been until recent, when taking a part on The Other Guys, did he crop back up on the radar. He is a likable actor and when given free range can prove how versatile he is. Iñárritu gives him that chance and it really pays off. There is something quite poetic about an actor, coming from a background of playing an iconic superhero, who gives his greatest performance of an actor of the same background seeking redemption for the regret of "selling out". Keaton gives an honest and vulnerable performance which is worthy of recognition.
For those who are put off by the phrase "art house" do not need to steer clear of this one. Its script is funny as much as it is thought provoking and a story that has you invested. The main focus around the plot is the build up to opening night but you can appreciate what the characters are going through even if you are not familiar with theatre. Each and every one of them has their own story and their own axe to grind which bears a huge amount of pressure on Riggan. There will be times during the movie that will appear strange and may require you to find meaning at certain stages; however, unless you allow yourself to accept what is happening on screen then it can become lost in translation. Iñárritu develops a questionable side plot into the script without explaining the how and why; like Riggan being able to move objects with his mind. You are lead to believe that this is an effect of the voice in his head and the hallucinations he has but they just end up being questions unanswered. In true art house form, not every question requires an answer that you can't decide for yourself but for the average movie fan, that will be a bit of a let-down. Aside from that, the pretentious jazz drumming that is used to escalate the scenes gets on your nerves a little bit.. But those are my only criticisms!
Iñárritu's camera form is a joy to watch. He weaves in and out of the corridors of the old theatre building following characters as they interact with each other and onto the next scene, as if it were one long shot. Sometimes you will find a time lapse of a few hours between scenes, in true theatre fashion, but the camera will still be rolling. A method like this could be a little confusing but Iñárritu plays it quite smoothly and you begin to appreciate the brilliant camera work.
Birdman is a great movie with even better performances from its cast. The trailer does not do the movie any justice whatsoever and has to be seen to be believed (if not just for the acting). Those who dislike art house may be scratching their heads at this one but it can be enjoyed for the hilarious dialogue and storyline alone.
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