Birdman - Film Review

"Birdman" (or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) - 7.2/10 (1200 words)

In Alejandro G. Iñárritu's "Birdman", a portrait of complex psychology emerges. The film is a tightrope walk between artistic genius and sheer madness, providing a tantalizing glance into the ephemeral world of fame and the lingering ghosts of one's prime. Through Riggan Thomson (played by Michael Keaton), we traverse the narrow alleys of a mind tormented by past successes that have set a standard too high for the present.

The decision to present the film as a single, continuous shot is a metaphorical journey through Riggan's mind, unbroken and relentless. Every corner turned, every hallway crossed, and every door opened reveals another facet of his fractured psyche. Through this continuous gaze, we get a sense of time's linear progression, with the past being as omnipresent as the looming future.

Keaton's performance is nothing short of remarkable. One can't help but draw parallels between the actor's real-life association with Batman and his character's haunted past as the fictional superhero, Birdman. This meta-casting, which could have been a mere gimmick in a lesser film, becomes a poignant reflection on the transient nature of stardom.

Emma Stone, as Sam, Riggan's daughter, portrays the challenging role of being the offspring of a once-great star. Through her eyes, we witness the weight of unmet expectations and the desire to carve an identity separate from the looming shadow of her father's legacy.

"Birdman" is also a commentary on modern art and criticism. The clash between Riggan and a theatre critic in a bar throws light on the eternal struggle between art for art's sake and art for an audience. The dialogue, often sharp, witty, and biting, pierces through the illusion of the theater, revealing the vulnerabilities and insecurities of its players.

However, for all its brilliance, "Birdman" can sometimes get caught in its own web of symbolism and abstraction. While it is a technical masterpiece with strong performances, its narrative ambiguity might alienate a portion of its audience. As the curtain falls, we're left to interpret the ending, the flights of fantasy, and the very nature of Riggan's reality.