Review of Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014) by Shane K — 08 Jun 2015

The more I think about this film as time goes,the more I really appreciate this films message. Starting with the great story of an actor who had played a superhero in the late 1980s to the early 1990s now has become a household name known as Birdman.

The movie centralizes on the actor named Riggan, who is played by Micheal Keaton on trying to change his image on not how people see him but how he sees himself as well as struggling with his confidence.

The movies narrative is straight forward but its delivery is truly stunning mostly due to the cinematography making all the scenes look like one shot. that being said what it shows are standout performances from the cast, especially from Keaton.

Now there are arrangements being made about how this movie is pretty much his life, I would say it is very similar but not entirely accurate. The movie focuses more on the psyche of actors and actresses for the same reason Keaton's character Riggan are working towards.

Some of the characters we sympathize with in terms of their mental well being, some of characters we disregard for their actions for why they act but this is definitely Riggans story of a person who questions his actions to hopefully deal with his demons.

He is consistently having a hard time to keep his demons at bay while also dealing with his family(mostly his daughter played by Emma Stone) and the play. The movie really punches the audience in the face on how movies are just being cash grabs blockbusters and not a lot of creatively is being put into the movies.

It really hits audiences and critics on the idea that they demand a lot from actors but are never satisfied. Taking in the perspective that everyone just labels everything and doesn't think about the creative process it took to make a play or film.

The message only strengthens the movie story giving it a greater impact to where we get a greater sense of reliability between Riggan and the viewer. I suppose with Michael leading this story it certainly does help the film have a genuine approach and I can understand the arguments being made.

With Michael Keaton performance though it is certainly the driving force and I don't believe it would have worked with any other actor due how believable it is. Overall this movie has a great message and its story is really spot on.

A well deserved praise for Micheal Keaton showing weakness and humility throughout the films narrative as well as captivating an actors integrity making it feel like a unique experience. Come Oscar season I wouldn't mind if won at all.