Review of Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014) by Khaled H — 08 Aug 2015

2015's best picture didn't generate much in box office returns, but it did create a lot of buzz among indie film fans. At the center of Alejandro González Iñárritu's 'Birdman: Or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)' is a conflicted man - a former leading actor named Riggan who has fallen from grace and turns to directing and starring in an obscure show on Broadway in an attempt to make himself relevant again. Michael Keaton delivers a standout performance, as he's beyond believable in a semi-psychotic role and really digs down deep to bring the crazy and translate it in a way to make the audience feel a sliver of sympathy for the character formerly known as Birdman.

One of 'Birdman's strengths is the craftsmanship that went into the camerawork. There are a number of scenes in the film that are shot in one take, with a single camera. This is an impressive technique no matter what, but it adds to the zaniness that transpires onscreen. There's also plenty of creative editing that is used throughout, and the special effects that correspond with Riggan's hallucinations.

While the concept and execution are really cool on the surface, 'Birdman' is not without its flaws. For one, some of the character backstories are sacrificed for cheap dialogue. True, there are some interesting relationships explored, like the one between the daughter of the Birdman (Emma Stone) and a slightly more famous actor who is brought in last-minute to help the play survive previews (Edward Norton), but these seem to muddy the water even further and do not help much. Still, there are characters who are included only for the sake of making Riggan out to be batty, including a smug, prickly 'New York Times' reviewer named Tabitha who helps bring out the true frustration within Riggan. Zach Galifianakis surprisingly plays one of the most sane characters in the entire film.

'Birdman' definitely has its fair share of fans, but it's a little too narrowly focused to have major appeal, even with its Academy Award victory.