Review of Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014) by Mcs — 02 Nov 2014

Though I do understand the brilliance of the script, cinema, and acting, I choose not to reiterate the praise for Birdman. Instead, I prefer to give fair warning to movie goers that this is not a universally enjoyed movie. It is clearly a movie for the industry of the arts, whether it is literature, film, music, dance, drama, and much of the joy from the movie is in sharing that perspective with the characters, whether it is the drama of backstage Broadway, literary references by the street characters, or watching and listening to the hum of NYC perched on a gritty roof top sign. Much of the drama and comedy will be lost on average movie goers, and the irritating jazz drum beat, disturbing voice in Keaton's head, and occasional physical tantrums will drive some to distraction. While I enjoyed this movie, laughed at and with its characters, and appreciated all of the incredible performances, especially of Stone, Watts and Norton, I'm fairly certain that many will have expected to see something more formulaic and might leave the film scratching their heads or crawling the walls.

The film reminds me of The Dresser, a fine film and extraordinary performance by Albert Finney, but one that also shares an uncomfortable story line of a back stage drama. See the movie, but discard your expectations and don't expect to relax.