Birdman: Movie Review

The most frustrating thing for me about writer/director Alejandro González Iñárritu’s “Birdman” is that the first hour is absolutely fantastic, but then completely loses me in its’ second half. I was totally sucked into the filmmaker’s vision and just amazed by his long tracking shots, but then the story take a more extreme turn about half way through and I quickly began to lose all interest. It pains me to give “Birdman” a negative review because there is so much there that is done masterfully but is the story that loses its’ viewer, there isn’t much that can be done.

“Birdman” or “The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance” (which is its’ other title) centers on Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton), a former mega-star who is known for portraying comic book character Birdman in the late 80’s/early 90’s. When Riggan turned down “Birdman Part 4”, his star began to quickly fade. If the story sounds similar to Keaton’s own turn as Batman, it is supposed to.

Riggan has one last chance to prove that he is not a has-been and that he can revive his career. With the help of his best friend and producer Jake (Zach Galifianakis), Riggan puts all his money and assets into funding a Broadway play that he not only wrote, but is directing and starring in. To say things are not going smoothly is an understatement. First, one of his leads suffers a head injury on stage during rehearsals, next one of his other stars/girlfriend Laura (Andrea Riseborough) informs Riggan that she is pregnant. His daughter/personal assistant Sam (Emma Stone) is fresh out of rehab and is also adding to Riggan’s stress. I forgot to mention that Mike Shiner (Edward Norton) who has been hired to replace the injured actor has a bit of an on-stage drinking problem and he is also a major jerk. He also has a desire to fornicate on stage in front of a packed theater with his girlfriend/lead actress Lesley (Naomi Watts)

Keaton and Norton are both fantastic here and “Birdman” is at its best when the two are on screen together. The supporting cast is also great, especially Galifianakis who’s character Jake has everything riding on this show as well. Through “Birdman” we hear the voice of Riggan’s comic-book alter ego narrating his thoughts but the film takes a turn for the worse once we actually see Birdman following Riggan around and then seeing Riggan’s trippy visions get bigger and bigger. Once we see the actor flying around the city, I basically had enough. Sure it is all in his head, but I just wish things stayed grounded.

Again, it’s a shame to have to go negative on a film that has so much great stuff to offer, but only loving half the film isn’t enough to tell people to shell out $11 for a ticket. If you love the cast, wait to see it at home in a few months.

By: Marc Ferman