Director: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu.
Cast: Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, Edward Norton, Naomi Watts, Zach Galifianakis, Andrea Riseborough.
Certificate: 15
Running Time: 119 minutes
Synopsis: A once famed actor, most recognisable in the role of a superhero, sets about making his comeback on the stage.
BIRDMAN is disgusting. It’s released on 1st January and it may very well be the best film of 2015. That may sound like a huge claim, but it is certainly better than anything released in 2014, and 2014 has been a fantastic year for film. As much as one can only hope that this is the start of a beautiful year in film, it terrifies me to think it may be all downhill from here.
BIRDMAN sees Michael Keaton play an actor once famous for his role as a superhero, who now wishes to reclaim his identity. Needless to say there are some parallels between art and life, with Keaton’s stint as Batman a clear influence on him getting the job. However, the script is never reliant on this for a one joke film/performance, and to the director’s, actor’s, and writers’ credit, you soon forget about Keaton’s past roles, as he completely inhabits the skin of Riggan. There are still some nice jokes though, and some are even aimed at fellow cast and crew, with Norton’s character introduced with a “was he fired/did he quit” mystery concerning his last job.
Riggan is likable from the outset, despite his major flaws, and the film constantly delves into what it means to be successful and what it means to be famous. Through his interactions with friends, family, and colleagues, we soon begin to discover a broken man who is in great need of appreciation at some level. His past work haunts him via voice-over, and we are also privy to scenes that see the world through Riggan’s eyes when his imaginary powers take hold. Keaton balances every facet of the role beautifully, showing signs of pain, megalomania, selfishness, desperation, and passion. He’s also supported by an incredible ensemble who make it their duty to reinforce Keaton’s work, before each being rewarded with memorable moments of their own. Norton excels as an exaggerated method actor, while Stone is memorable as Riggan’s recovering drug addict daughter.
BIRDMAN’s presentation is both creative and exhilarating in a number of ways. On paper it almost sounds as though it’s trying too hard, but since everything is pulled off with such style and reason, it soon becomes a natural part of the storytelling. First there’s the single shot illusion, as we see things through a single take (at least how it appears, in actual fact there are some sneaky cuts). This allows for a frantic and hectic feel that establishes the tone of a theatre’s backstage area, as well as Riggan’s chaotic mind. It also requires the actors to be more choreographed and less reliant on being able to cut, which may attest for the more intense performances all spiced up with a sense of urgency.
There’s also the amazing score, dominated by Antonio Sanchez’s drums. You can probably count the number of drum scores in the world of film on a couple of hands, and once again this breathes chaotic soul and life into the film. Drums can very easily lead to headaches, but Sanchez directs them perfectly to signify mental breakdowns and moments where the heartbeat quickens.
BIRDMAN does everything right, despite the fact its trying things that are quite experimental. It’s a witty satire that can be enjoyed on a number of levels. Fans of character work will have a lot to swept up in, while more technically minded film fans will have plenty to gawp at. Perfect performances, an empathetic plot, and a relentless pace that captures the drama on stage and the franticness backstage. 2015, the bar has been raised.
[usr=5] BIRDMAN is released in cinemas on 1st January, 2015.
