Review of Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014) by Raquel R — 06 Mar 2016

Well if this just isn't one of the best movies I've ever seen. Spectacular performances. Really intricate camerawork that makes the passage of time and transitions feel so fluid. Interesting paradoxes that constantly interrupt your expectation (i.

E. the pounding of agony is actually a high school drumline on the street). At every turn, Birdman is taking chances and changing the game. As for the movie's end, I cannot think of a better way to wrap together the two realms that we are presented with throughout the film (the actual, and the supernatural).

With Riggan's success in finally achieving what he wants in life (a nod to the opening card), his daughter looks down in horror, then up in delight--acknowledgment that he has left Birdman behind and is finally a person of self-significance and worth.

Is he dead or is he flying? The answer is simply no. Audiences who crave concrete answers will be frustrated by the movie's metaphysical end. But the metaphor is just so beautiful.