A cinematic masterpiece, that's not for everyone

Rating: 10/10 (7 February 2016)

Inarritu's Birdman is the story of Riggan (Michael Keaton) a washed up Hollywood actor trying to prove he is a true artist by directing his own Broadway play adaptation of Carver's "What We Talk When We Talk About Love."
This movie manages to tackle various themes efficiently. It explores the human need for attention and approval of others. The purpose of life and the legacy we leave behind. It asks what can be considered art and the difference between true talent and mainstream appeal. A critics' role in deciding the success of plays and movies. It takes a satirical look at the movies industry and even manages to take a few swings at modern superhero movies.
I'm not going to defend this movie because I can understand why some people won't like it. Art films are very subjective, you either connect with it, or you don't. What I believe one must admit is the technical feat that was filming this movie to look like it's one continuous shot. Inarritu's tight directing gives the movie a flow and energy that conventional filmmaking wouldn't have. The movie itself feels like I'm watching a play being performed, maybe due to many takes being as long as fifteen minutes. Emmanuel Lubezki once again, works wonders as cinematographer, getting close and personal to characters as they deliver emotional, dramatic and sometimes funny lines. From beginning to end, this movie is wonderful to look at, and at least for me, impossible to look away.
The freestyle drum score adds to the speed and spontaneous feel of the movie. It builds up tension in intense moments and accompanies the flow for the rest.
Every single actor and actress does an amazing job. Everyone seems to be on board and passionate to be working on this movie. Michael Keaton's performance as Riggan is the driving force of the film. He nails the feeling of frustration, seeing his play crumble upon him, along with his legacy. Edward Norton as Mike gives the movie comedic relief throughout the two hours. While his performance feels a little too brash, it fits his character as the cocky, pretentious Broadway actor. Emma Stone does great and has memorable moments, especially in one of the most impactful scenes of the film with Riggan. Zach Gilifianakis shows he can hold his own when away from typical comedies. I've always liked his humor but he was able to show his true potential in Birdman.
SPOILER ALERT
In regards to the plot, I never felt like any part of the movie dragged. While I was not as interested in Mike and Sam's romance, I don't think it took away from the movie. The supernatural powers Riggan seemed to have or imagine and Birdman's voice in his head added a whole new layer to an already interesting character. The film could've ended earlier with the gunshot, to leave the audience wondering Riggan's fate, since it ends on that same note anyways but I enjoyed seeing the aftermath. The positive critic review and coverage his play gains closed the plot nicely and the -open to interpretation- ending with Riggan jumping out of the window to later see Sam look out and smile was just the type this eccentric movie needed. I can see many people hating the ending, but I thought it was a great conclusion to Birdman.
10/10