Review of Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014) by Rpm — 16 Mar 2015

I like Keaton as an actor. Magic Realism is a genre I enjoy. I like jazz music. I've only seen one Broadway play (Pippin) and consider it one of the highlights of my life.

That should add up to me really loving this film right?

Oh well...I guess the whole does not equal the sum of its parts in this case.

Keaton mumbles his way through this film, even when on stage in a play (who mumbles line in a play?). The Magic Realism elements are interesting but seem mostly out of place amongst the grunge of backstage Broadway. The jazzy drum soundtrack didn't so much support the film as it distracted from the film. The play within the film was so briefly shown and so stunted as a plot element that it seemed to me much ado about nothing.

I didn't hate the film but after having read so many positive reviews from critics I'd say I was immensely disappointed. The critic I now most agree with on this film is Rex Reed, except he thought Keaton's performance was a bright note and I wouldn't even give him that.