Saved by the Performances

Rating: 6/10 (28 November 2014)

Birdman is an odd film that succeeds largely on the basis of its performances. It follows the inner life of a washed up Hollywood actor, famous for playing the eponymous superhero, as he tries to do a Broadway adaption of the works of Raymond Chandler. Michael Keaton is great in the lead and has an excellent supporting cast, but the film comes across as too pretentious for its own good.
There is not enough praise in a small review for the performances in this film. Michael Keaton's work in the lead should cement a comeback and earn him an Academy Award nomination in the bargain. However, the true highlights of the cast are Edward Norton as an obnoxious co-star and Emma Stone as Keaton's troubled daughter. Both actors steal every scene they are in and deserve to win Oscars for their work. Norton embodies the ego-maniacal actor while still managing to keep his character likable, even after what is arguably an attempted rape. Stone conveys her character's vulnerability without making her pathetic. Zach Galifianakis also does well as Keaton's business partner.
The film also explores some very interesting themes, such as the relationship between filmmaking as art and the production of mindless blockbusters. There is also a thought-provoking discussion of film criticism and the attitudes critics bring to actors and their work. There are scenes that will make armchair critics (...cough) think before they trash a film or play someone has worked hard on.
However, Birdman is hampered by a pretentious atmosphere that undermines the appeal of the actors. The framing of the film as one continuous shot is distracting and comes across as showing off by the cinematographer. Furthermore, the more whimsical elements of the film feel out of place at times, occasionally leaving the viewer to wonder what is really happening and what is in Keaton's head. This is especially true at the conclusion. Still, the performances make the film worth watching.