It does too much but says too little

Rating: 5/10 (23 February 2016)

Modern cinema is commonly accused of favoring profit over art, of no longer providing the same space for artists to allow exploration and new techniques. It is certainly a false presumption considering difficulties, obstacles, pre-prepared formulas and studio demands always existed to a certain extent in the movie industry. « Birdman » and Iñarritú come to challenge this assumption and show that artistry and experimentation have not lost their place in this world. This is why it is so unfortunate that the movie spends most of its time talking about itself and its alleged qualities, preventing the viewer from engaging in the story. It is almost as if you are listening to someone perform while they keep shouting what a fantastic artist they are.
The plot centers on the story of Riggan Thomson (a big comeback part for Michael Keaton, long trapped by his role in « Batman »), a Hollywood actor whose fame and glory is experiencing a downfall. Tormented by his voices and visions of his big « Birdman » superhero role of the past, he plans to reinvent his career and show, on Broadway, that he can still work as a writer, actor and director. Some friends and family members work with Riggan and contribute, in major or minor parts, to the further development of his hallucinations. The movie counts with actors like Emma Stone, Edward Norton and Naomi Watts in good performances but repetitive roles.
The movie shows Riggs in a self-absorbed manner. His torments are often displayed in the form of satire. Everything around him, unfortunately, seems very stereotypical and calculated: from the Broadway critic to the addict child depicted in the movie, the lesbian making out session backstage, persons and elements seem heavily thought of but not deeply felt, it is hard to connect to anything or anyone in the story. Technically, it displays a superb exercise of camera work: it often feels like it is done in a single shot. The narrow corridors, tight rooms and backstage scenes can represent both the narrow mind and confusion experienced by Riggs, but also how it pushes the viewer to feel, and unfortunately what he/she cannot escape from. The constant self-boosting of worth, bragging and confidence of the movie, added to the never-ending drumming of the music score, feels exaggerated, fluttery and unrelenting from beginning to end.
Perhaps it would be safe to say that what « Birdman » lacks is some soul, a heartfelt connection to any sort of plea, self-analysis, redemption. As it constantly revolves around itself and tells the viewer what to do or make of it, it makes it difficult for persons to go beyond what it shows. It seems very convinced of its superiority, the main problem being that it certainly says more than what it does.