Birdman (2014) Spoiler-free Review

This film shook me to the core. Michael Keaton delivers an amazing performance in the midst of a stellar cast. If you’re looking to go more meta than you’ve gone in a while, go see Birdman.

“A washed-up actor who once played an iconic superhero must overcome his ego and family trouble as he mounts a Broadway play in a bid to reclaim his past glory.” [IMDb]

The most intriguing aesthetic element of the film is how it appears to be one continuous shot. Of course, it isn’t actually shot like this, but the brilliant camerawork and editing provide this glorious illusion.

I love that Birdman is almost a nod to Keaton having played Batman all those years ago, making this movie more meta than what most people can handle. This unapologetic film asks bold questions about the movie industry and the people in it; making it a brilliant form of introspection for the cast and their peers. The main character, Riggan is a personification of all actors (the idea of an actor as a construct), caught in the purgatory between art and the spectacle.

Birdman is a black comedy with elements of magical realism, presented as raw drama. Anyone can enjoy this film, except the blunt instrument. Speaking of instruments, the score is also absolutely stunning!

See the Birdman trailer below:

Rating: 8.9/10

See it/ Don’t see it: Definitely see it, and go with someone who loves film, who you can discuss the movie with afterwards.