I entered the cinema on Sunday afternoon to see Birdman, with very little idea of what I was getting myself into. I hadn’t seen a trailer or read a review – I didn’t even know what the film was about. The only thing I knew was that it shared the same name as an obscure cartoon from the 50s.
Regardless, I can say with confidence that Birdman is the best film I’ve seen for months.
Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) is infamous around New York as the man who once played the superhero, Birdman. Now in his middle years, Thomson is desperate to reclaim the glory of his past by writing, directing and starring in his own Broadway adaptation of Raymond Carver’s What We Talk About When We Talk About Love. However, it’s not going well for him.
The days leading up to opening night are wreaked with tension and psychological trials. He is struggling to repair his family, and his relationships with his co-stars are on thin ice. Most importantly, he not only battles with his desire to be relevant but also with the voice in his head telling him he’s destined for so much more.
It took the first 30 minutes for me to realise one of the most beautiful features of this film; the entire movie is done in a single shot. This was a brilliant feature, which added to the intimacy and rising tension.
Michael Keaton gives a powerful performance of the disillusioned, fame-hungry Riggan Thomson. Edward Norton, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts and Zach Galifianakis give flawless performances and continuously toy with the audience’s sense of admiration, empathy and dislike.
Birdman is a striking narrative on fame, psychological illness, personal gratification, relationships and love. Please, spread your swings and fly to the cinema and see this film.
Check out the trailer before you go.
