One Take Wonder

Rating: 8/10 (25 March 2020)

"Birdman" is directed by Alejandro G Iñarritu and stars Michael Keaton, Edward Norton and Emma Stone. This film is about an actor trying to find his place back in the world again, becoming relevant in today's age, with his new play on Broadway.
This film is about a wide range of subjects and themes, as the main character, Riggan Thompson (Keaton) goes through in his life. He was once a praised actor, playing the role of "Birdman" in a comic book superhero film. He is now known for that role, despite probably portraying many other characters in films. He has an estranged relationship with his daughter, Sam (Stone), that he is trying to reshape. Sam is just out of rehab and dealing with her own issues. Mike (Norton) is an actor Riggan hires after his other actor gets injured on set. Mike is very good at his job, but a difficult man to work with.
Keaton is terrific as Riggan. The character resembles the actor in a way. Michael Keaton is known for his famous portrayals as Batman and Beetlejuice, despite playing many other characters in other films. Riggan is the same way, only being known for Birdman, and the way he protrayls Riggan is great.
Norton is equally great as Mike. He is literally playing himself in this character. Edward Norton is infamous for being a difficult actor to work with, which he acknowledges in his own way.
The cinematography is ambitious but amazing. Only 16 visible cuts through this film that seems like it is one shot. Therefore the direction, production design and acting all holds up with, and is amazing to see these long scenes unfold.
The film has a great drum-only slick, jazzy soundtrack, that fits uniquely with the film. It's raw and dry, like how the film plays out.
Th film ends with a powerful punch to the audiences. Riggan takes a real gun and purposefully shoots himself on stage during the play, trying to kill himself. Shooting his nose off, he wakes up in a hospital being taken care of, and getting great reviews from critics of his play. As Riggan hit the stage floor after firing the gun, audiences clapped at how real the scene looked. One woman even walked out. This symbolises how critics love the realism of the stage no matter how real it is. Audiences had the right to think the gun was fake, and whilst it wasn't fake, audiences bought the realism of the play. In the hospital, you can tell Riggan regrets his actions. He got the fame and the great reviews of his play, but at what cost.
Birdman is a film about many subjects and themes, with an ambiguous ending that leaves the audience wondering what it all meant. A worthy watch.
Overall: 8.4/10