Summary
“Birdman” is a 2014 American black comedy-drama film directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu.
The film stars Michael Keaton as Riggan Thomson, a faded Hollywood actor best known for playing the superhero Birdman in a series of films. Riggan is trying to revive his career by staging a Broadway adaptation of Raymond Carver’s short story “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love”.
The film follows Riggan’s struggles to mount the play while dealing with his own personal issues and the pressures of show business.
Plot
The film takes place over the course of a few days as Riggan prepares for the play’s opening night. He is constantly haunted by the voice of Birdman, who represents his ego and his desire for fame and recognition. Riggan’s daughter Sam (Emma Stone) is fresh out of rehab and working as his assistant, while his girlfriend Laura (Andrea Riseborough) is also in the play. Meanwhile, Riggan’s co-star Mike (Edward Norton) is a talented but difficult actor who threatens to derail the production.
As opening night approaches, Riggan becomes increasingly unstable and begins to experience hallucinations. He imagines himself flying through the streets of New York City and levitating in his dressing room. On the night of the play, Riggan accidentally shoots himself in the head during a scene but survives. The audience thinks it’s part of the show and gives him a standing ovation.
Main Actors
- Michael Keaton as Riggan Thomson
- Edward Norton as Mike Shiner
- Emma Stone as Sam Thomson
- Naomi Watts as Lesley Truman
- Zach Galifianakis as Jake
Awards Received
“Birdman” was critically acclaimed and won several awards, including:
- Academy Award for Best Picture
- Academy Award for Best Director (Alejandro González Iñárritu)
- Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay
- Academy Award for Best Cinematography
Review
“Birdman” is a technical marvel that features some of the best performances of Michael Keaton’s career. The film’s unique style, which gives the impression that it was shot in one continuous take, adds to its surreal atmosphere. The supporting cast is also excellent, particularly Edward Norton as Mike Shiner.
The film explores themes such as identity, ego, and artistic integrity. It’s a biting satire of show business that manages to be both hilarious and poignant. “Birdman” is a must-watch for anyone who loves movies that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Personal Opinion
I found “Birdman” to be an incredibly engaging film that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The performances are outstanding across the board, and I was particularly impressed by Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Riggan Thomson. The film’s surreal style adds to its overall impact, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Overall, I highly recommend “Birdman” to anyone who enjoys movies that are both technically impressive and emotionally resonant.
