Review of Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014) by Je61 — 25 Oct 2014

I congratulate Alejandro González Iñárritu on this absolutely superb black comedy. The script is delightful and witty as he cleverly uses magical realism to near perfect effect as he examines the failure and fulfillment of fictional actor/director, Riggan Thomson.

The protagonist's on screen and off screen struggles whirl around at a dizzying pace as the camera follows him through the narrow shabby, sets, halls and rooftops of the theater. Seamlessly the audience slides along with him from one stormy long take to the next spirited long take. Skillfully, acted and choreographed, the camera follows the players through the grimy backstage of a broadway play as the fragile production teeters on collapse at every turn.

The accident ridden production reflects Riggan's internal strife as he teeters on the edge mental breakdown. Haunted by inexorable unconscious voices that foment both his ambition and self doubt, he struggles to be the artist he envisions . . . if only he doesn't destroy the whole thing himself along the way. Take this certain "Best Picture" nominee roller coaster ride and hold on with two hands.