Review of Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014) by Tone01 — 15 Jan 2015

Look at me! My film is brilliant, the rest are crap.

While there are strokes of brilliance and humor in "Birdman," the sum effect is ennui and shock at the narcissistic disdain the director holds for audiences.

The plot is simple enough: a huge action star (Keaton) refusing to add another franchise film to his resume attempts to break away by mounting a pretentious, overstuffed play based on Raymond Carver's writings. A coterie of malcontents and neurotics abet Keaton. Using an experimental brush loaded with mysticism, surrealism and existential angst, Iñárritu follows the on and off stage drama in one take. (Acclimating to the lack of cuts takes a few moments, but an unbroken shot does not really add to this story just as it failed in Hitchcock's "Rope.").

The good is aforementioned. Unfortunately, the bad tilts the scale way over.

Partly meant as commentary about the nature of art and distilling culture to the lowest common denominator, the director beats a dead horse, resuscitates, and then beats it to death again.

Add commentary about the craft of acting on stage and film and stumbling upon success.

Ironically, those who are drawn by this big budget art film have the sophistication to realize the message already. Those who wouldn't see "Birdman" on a bet, the audience whose nose elitist Iñárritu tweaks, will never receive the message. Why should they? People like what they like, and if they like cotton candy let them go forth and eat. Only one with a huge ego – this director – would have the temerity to call anyone on their preferences.

Then add narcissistic, whining actors portraying every showbiz cliché while the film spools on and on and on.

Then add the irony of effects like those in frowned upon action tentpoles are what made the single shot possible in "Birdman.".

The actors bought into this story. They give it their all and do good work, particularly Edward Norton. However, Zach Galifinakis proves he's out of his depth outside man-child roles for which he's best known. One wonders if Galifinakis was cast to prove the director's corollary.

Slow, boring, distasteful and insulting does not offer a pleasant experience. The best to be said is "Birdman" tried for heights others fear to attempt. Like Icarus, the wax melted.