By SETH HYNES
Birdman (MA15+)
Starring: Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, Zach Galifianakis, Naomi Watts, Emma Stone
THE film is a semi-autobiographical take on the life of star Michael Keaton, who plays Riggen Thomson, a former superhero actor who aims to restore his washed-up career with an ambitious Broadway play.
Birdman is a hilarious and searingly honest satire of modern celebrity.
Inarritu has always had great command of theme and character dynamics, and this film cleverly tackles the transient nature of fame, the desperate struggle to stay relevant, predatory critics and the vanity and exhibitionism many actors need to succeed in the business.
Birdman addresses these topics with enthralling drama bolstered by stunning performances and natural yet insightful dialogue.
Keaton makes a phenomenal return to prominence, deftly shifting emotions on a dime. His persona is both noble and pathetic, with neither contradicting the other, and his co-stars all play witty parodies of their own public images.
More remarkably, Birdman presents itself (through stylish transitions and editing wizardry) as one long impossible take.
This impressive artistry is far more deserving of Oscar gold than Richard Linklater’s 12-year long but otherwise pretty conventional shooting of Boyhood.
Birdman is a work of mad pop-philosophical brilliance, and if the overrated Boyhood wins Best Picture instead of Birdman, I’ll write a positive review of Fifty Shades Of Grey in protest.
– Seth Hynes
