Following last week’s Oscar nominations, ‘Birdman’ directed
by Alejandro
González Iñárritu was a clear standout collecting a number of
nomination nods including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. Curious to
see what the hype is about, I went on an internet scavenger hunt to get a good
copy of the film. I call it ‘research’ ahead of the award ceremony happening on
22 February.
‘Birdman’ is a stunning black comedy about a has-been actor’s
(Michael Keaton)
attempts to put together a Broadway play as a desperate move to revive his
career and to shake off his ‘Birdman’ superhero image, which he is famously
known as.
The film immediately introduces Michael Keaton’s character
Riggan Thomas… levitating in his dressing room as prepares to go to rehearsals,
days before the Broadway debut. You quickly notice the camera does not blink, the
cut-free scenes takes you through the events that unravel leading up to the opening
and you see how different characters unfold and intertwine backstage on
on-stage.
It’s not your regular look at a pre-event theatre production,
it involves an ‘accident’ on stage, a last-minute replacement in the form of Edward Norton, a
disastrous preview and someone shooting themselves in the head. The most
captivating storyline is Riggan’s dialogue with his ‘Birdman’ voice in his head
that is dead-pan similar to Keaton’s Batman voice.
All the characters pulled their weight in the movie, and you
instantly gravitate to each one but the credit goes to Michael Keaton. He
seamlessly switches from his disturb character to being wildly funny and back.
His Best Actor Golden Globes award makes sense in this challenging role.
Disturbing at some parts and darkly funny with great comic
references, ‘Birdman’ is a unique take on the narcissistic world of actors and
actresses and playfully mocks their insecurities to feel relevant. ‘Birdman’
will surely soar through the award season.
For more info and the trailer, click her.
By:
Karen Nicolet
Instagram: @clumsychic
Inspiring direction and production. The real star of the film though is Antonio Sanchez's perpetual jazz score.
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