Birdman
14/01/15 Filed in: Cinema
We saw Birdman today. I went without researching the film any further than what I had seen in the trailer. In this case I think that the trailer is a bit misleading and perhaps would dissuade some people from going to see the film. By this I mean the superhero type sequences. Now these are important when viewed in the context of the film, but as part of a trailer - well, they could mislead. A couple actually walked out part way through the film, so my assumption may be correct.
Anyway, to the film. It's the story of how Riggan Thomson, a former star of the 'Birdman' movies, is trying to establish himself as a serious actor and director of a Broadway play. All the time he is haunted by the ghost of Birdman trying to persuade him to return to the role for which he is well known.
There is a subplot that leads one to believe that Thomson is indeed superhuman; or perhaps not human at all. Witness the asteroid scenes suggesting perhaps some form of visitation. There are also apparent superhuman capabilities, such as telekinesis, and ultimately flying. The film actually starts with him levitating. However, if you begin by thinking he does indeed have these powers, the flying scene later in the film will probably leave you feeling that it's in fact all in his alter ego, if you haven't already reached this conclusion. However, just as you think you've got the whole thing sussed, the final scene recasts all the doubts.
Anyway, to the film. It's the story of how Riggan Thomson, a former star of the 'Birdman' movies, is trying to establish himself as a serious actor and director of a Broadway play. All the time he is haunted by the ghost of Birdman trying to persuade him to return to the role for which he is well known.
There is a subplot that leads one to believe that Thomson is indeed superhuman; or perhaps not human at all. Witness the asteroid scenes suggesting perhaps some form of visitation. There are also apparent superhuman capabilities, such as telekinesis, and ultimately flying. The film actually starts with him levitating. However, if you begin by thinking he does indeed have these powers, the flying scene later in the film will probably leave you feeling that it's in fact all in his alter ego, if you haven't already reached this conclusion. However, just as you think you've got the whole thing sussed, the final scene recasts all the doubts.
Putting aside for a moment the Birdman thing (which is I know tricky as this is what the film is called) the story about the 'play' is I would argue the more interesting element of the film. Obviously you can't separate it from Birdman but much of it stands on its own. The filming is intriguing if you care to think about it. The theatre is a labyrinth of corridors and passages and much of the footage is taken as face-on shots while Thomson is negotiating these passages at a fair old pace. If it involves hand-held cameras with the cameraman walking backwards then I'm impressed that anyone could do this, and similarly impressed with the stability of the shots.
The film exceeded my expectations, probably because I was misled by the superhero aspect. I think we've all been a bit overexposed to superhero films lately. It's extremely well acted and may leave you re-analysing what went on long after you've left the cinema.
The film exceeded my expectations, probably because I was misled by the superhero aspect. I think we've all been a bit overexposed to superhero films lately. It's extremely well acted and may leave you re-analysing what went on long after you've left the cinema.