‘Birdman’ is a soaring film with Keaton
Thursday December 18, 2014 | By:Tony Baksa |
Birdman – movie review by Tony Baksa 11/25/2014
RATING – 4 Suns
Somehow it seems personal for Michael Keaton. His
performance in “Birdman” has an uncanny authenticity one rarely sees in
mainstream films. I say, just give him the Oscar now. It is difficult to
imagine another performance that will best Keaton’s Birdman.
Produced, directed and co-written by the visionary Alejandro González Inarritu, “Birdman” makes a powerful
statement. Inarritu uses Show Business as a metaphor for survival. It is a good
metaphor. “Birdman” is the story of a fading Hollywood star’s last ditch effort
to reclaim his career. He takes on Broadway with his last penny and his last
nerve. In the process he is confronted with a regretful life - a failed
marriage, a neglected daughter and a lifetime of bad choices. This is a man
with loads of talent but none for life outside his art.
This great movie takes us inside his head and his heart with
surreal flourishes and a fluidity of movement that is astonishing. Director Inarritu
moves his floating camera in a way that provides us with a rare perspective. We
see what Keaton sees. We also feel what he feels. Our sympathies are tied
firmly to Keaton as we travel along with him to his decent into madness.
Riggan Thomas (Keaton) has optioned a controversial play for
him to star in opposite method actor Mike (Edward Norton) a volatile actor/
star known for his antics on and off the screen. They are quite the pair in
their daily altercations. The rehearsals become fodder for the gossip columns
and TV entertainment news shows. This, of course, turns the play into a must
see even before it has opened. Ticket buyers line the sidewalks around the
theater just to catch the previews. As Riggan and Mike rehearse and fight
verbally as well as physically, it is apparent that the success of this venture
is the only option for Riggan. Will audiences still line up for a badly
reviewed play? Can Riggan’s former fame as the Birdman in a screen trilogy much
like Batman keep the box office busy? Adding to the fire is Emma Stone as Keaton’s
needy truth telling daughter who loves her father with a scalding passion.
Throw in an ex-wife and a bitter theater critic, a nervous manager and fabulous
periphery New York theater types and “Birdman” provides a rich tapestry of
unrelenting emotion.
“Birdman” is, indeed, a very emotional experience. Baring
his soul like never before, Michael Keaton gives the performance of his career.
He will never be better! It his
heartbreaking yet thrilling to witness Keaton in a variety of outlandish scenes
that are sometimes funny, other times chilling. We are asked to question
reality as we witness Keaton and his flights of fancy. Emma Stone as his willful daughter brings a
surprising authority that belies her youth and experience. She is a great
actress. Also outstanding is Lindsay Duncan as the number one make or break
theater critic. Edward Norton brings balance to the proceedings with humor.
Director Inarritu’s literate script co-written with Nicolás
Giacobone provides a classic
brilliance that was once the rule rather than the exception in the golden age
of film. It is a thing of beauty. We are treated to emotional outbursts and
thrilling monologues that are even rare in the current theater. Make no mistake;
this is very much a movie – cinematic in all its aspects. Inarritu sees to
that. Although the playing field is the theater, “Birdman” is far from stage bound
as well as earth bound. It literally takes flight across the emotional terrain
of a man’s heart and soul.
“Birdman” is currently in theaters
