What is it to exist anyway?

Rating: 9/10 (8 January 2015)

A short film review of "Birdman" because, well, why not?

"The thing is a thing not what is said of that thing" said the mirror -

A wholly satisfying film to consume - marinated in well seasoned thoughts of identity and existentialism wrapped in satire, Birdman stylistically asks us "what is it to exist anyway?" This feature film, a latest in a queue of interesting titles (Biutiful, Babel and Amores Perros) by Alejandro González Iñárritu literally marches to the beat of it's own drum, punches through the screen, invades your psyche and compels it's audience to engage through a range of perspectives.
Essentially a film about a washed-up actor "Riggan" brilliantly played by Michael Keaton, (a great casting choice as let's face it what was the last film he did anyway,) this film follows the protagonists journey to finding truth in his craft. On surface level a zero to hero journey, but your budding cine-literate will wiggle with wonder at the fleshy layers of subtext; Reality vs illusion, Addiction and my favorite of all relevance in today's ever evolving yet grossly primal social climate.
This funny and significant body of social commentary sees the usually boring (you know it's true) Emma Stone deliver her most engaging performance yet. However, the delectable Edward Norton keeps us entertained throughout with probably his most edible role since Fight Club. As I seem to be drawing on most loved participants in this film a particularly special mention must then go to Lindsay Duncan who could give Addison DeWitt* a run for his money in an award for execution of rhetoric as emitted by a theater critic!
Birdman is a refreshing intake compared to a wealth of current films that reek of pastiche. An invigorating film, this work of art happily respects it's viewers as intelligent and knowing. A real treat for the senses this visual feast is not one to be missed. __________________________________________________ *A character from the Award winning All About Eve starring Bette Davis, which if you haven't seen may require you to reassess your priorities in life