What really makes us happy?

Rating: 10/10 (26 October 2014)

It's not very often a film is made and it it hits you almost too close to home. I myself am an actor. I perform in theatre and aspire to work in film, not because of the glitz and glam, but because I am truthfully and honestly passionate about my craft.
Rigger Thompson, a man who once graced cinema screens as the hero 'Birdman.' After he found the franchise being less an artistic venture, and more so a gimmick, he left. Leaving a 20 year gap where he has never been able to toss the cape and cowl and simply be an actor. This film weighs heavy on what does it mean to be appreciated? and if so, does it make you happy?
First and foremost, Michael Keaton comes forth with a career defining performance. A performance layered with heartbreaking desperation, pent up angst, and unbridled passion. His cynical yet honest view on the world around him can't help but be admired. With his ball busting manager/best friend, his admittedly kooky girlfriend (who is easily at least 15 years younger than him), his distant daughter, and his co-star Edward Norton who is so committed to the theatre that he himself almost can't operate in everyday life. All of these views on life, and the society we live in spiral in front of Riggan like a non-stop vortex of emotion where he begins to doubt himself to a point where schizophrenia takes over.
The supporting cast is absolutely top notch as they do not miss a beat. Emma Stone's heartbreaking monologue as she tries to get her father to open his eyes and face the facts left me speechless. Edward Norton who, in my opinion really shows us what he can do in this film utterly full of himself, but not out of want and need for acceptance, but out of this idea he has crafted for himself. Stage actors live life, where film actors play life. His performance is highly political, and I can't help but agree with most of what he says. Zach Galifianakis does a wonderful job of playing Riggans manager and best friend. Whether or not you agree he is looking out for his friend is u to you, but his want and need for Riggan's success is almost a catalyst for disaster. With that Zach isn't a bad guy, he's sincere, hard working and ultimately committed to his client.
Visually, this film has done what few films even attempt to do. Using the 'one shot' technique where the whole film looks as if it is one seamlessly continuous shot is not only a brilliant piece of camera work, but also gives you the sensation of it unfolding right before your eyes in real life. Using the element of fast film in other pictures with jump cuts and time lapses you loose track of where you are, and what just happened. In this case the transitions are utterly seamless. It is a hoy to watch such beautiful pacing in a film. Something that has not been given the respect it truly deserves.
Alejandro González Iñárritu has written, directed, and produced a film which hinges on life itself. He attacks actors, filmmakers, critics, journalist, Twitter, Facebook, the list goes on. He teaches us that success is not based in monetary value, but what you make of your life, and whether or not what you are doing in your life is truly making you happy.
I am making a statement right now that Birdman is one of the greatest films ever made.