Absorbing and Brilliantly executed.! It's an education – you might get bored or you might end up with a beautiful feeling.!

Rating: 9/10 (4 February 2015)

BIRDMAN – (or) The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance..!!
******************************************************************** ********* There are only four actors in the history of cinema to have donned roles of multiple superhero characters in their entire career – Ben Affleck, Ryan Reynolds, Chris Evans and Halle Berry. The title of the movie 'Birdman' and the trailer had made most of us believe that Michael Keaton is all set to join this 'elite' list. (I hope you remember that Keaton was the guy to have played 'Batman' in early 90s.)
But Birdman ISN'T A SUPERHERO MOVIE. It's a DARK COMEDY about an aged actor who had played the role of 'Birdman'- a superhero, in his popular days of career.
******************************************************************** ************* PLOT SUMMARY: Riggan Thompson is a yesteryear's actor to have played the character 'Birdman', who had decided against continuing with the franchise after two block buster hits. Following this till date, he struggles hard to attain recognition. He strongly believes that he has an actor inside him and tries hard to gain attraction towards his performing art. In the process, he abandons wealth and relationships.
The movie starts with actor playing his latest piece in the gamble by attempting to direct and act in a play to be staged in Broadway. The movie is a journey between the preview and the premiere of his play and the challenge that he faces from his co-actor, a theater critic and a troubled actor residing within him.
******************************************************************** ************ WHY IS THIS MOVIE, SUCH A BIG DEAL?: - The movie has earned nine Oscar nominations.

If we had believed that Benedict Cumberbatch would have a cake walk at this year's Oscars, then Keaton proves us all wrong by putting forth a terrific performance. He brings in an effective portrayal of a man with emotional conflicts. He's adamant, he's troubled, he's selfish, he's ignorant and he's ambitious and successfully makes us resonate with his emotions.

This movie also teaches you important philosophies of life, in a way similar to what 'FIGHT CLUB' and 'PULP FICTION' taught.

With almost negligible background score used, the movie entirely banks on 'brilliant performance of actors'. Edward Norton and Emma stone are at their best.

MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, The entire movie (barring the opening and few scenes towards the end), appears to be a single shot. It's CONTINUOUS with no cuts in between and makes us a part of its journey.
Most of us feel that 'TRACKING SHOT', (continuous shot, where camera follows the subject on screen) is one of the easiest shots to take. But to shoot the entire movie in what appears like a single tracking shot, is one serious business where most of the filmmakers would not want to get into.
This fact alone should earn the movie gallons of admiration and make it a strong contender at this year's Oscars for DIRECTION and CINEMATOGRAPHY. (I am surprised that it hasn't earned a nomination for its 'EDITING').
******************************************************************** *************** WHO WOULD LOVE IT? - Any aspiring actor, any established actor who understands the difference between 'fame' and 'recognition of art'. If you fall in this category, you can easily relate to this movie. This movie shows the triumph of passion towards art over everything else. - People who study cinema or people with theater background. - Anyone who loves movies which boasts terrific acting performances. - People who have always loved the movies that have earned Oscar nominations.
******************************************************************** ************** SIMILARITIES: I am surprised to see no comparisons being drawn with 'BLACK SWAN'. I am of this feeling that, this 'BIRDMAN' is actually a male version of 'BLACK SWAN'- execution style being the other difference.
******************************************************************** ************** BOTTOMLINE: If you have liked any of these movies - BLACK SWAN, A REQUIEM OF DREAM, KING'S SPEECH,
You would definitely love this.
This movie also preaches some of the important philosophies of life that would prove beneficial to you in current times. If you have loved those philosophies in 'PULP FICTION' and 'FIGHT CLUB', then you wouldn't want to miss this movie..!
This movie isn't a movie which you can ENJOY. This is one of those movies into which you can only get absorbed. It's an education – you might get bored or you might end up with a beautiful feeling. :)