Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

UK Release Date: 01 January 2015

Certification: 15
Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu
Cast: Lindsay Duncan, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, Andrea Riseborough, Amy Ryan, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts

Rating: 47%

Review:

Winner of three Oscars, including best picture and best director at the 87th Academy Awards, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is essential viewing for any modern cinephile. 

A fading actor (Riggan Thomson) struggles to be taken seriously following his retirement as superhero, Birdman, attempting to mount a comeback with a Broadway play before succumbing to his alter ago towards the end. The film acts as a metaphorical representation of Michael Keaton's career after he portrayed the caped crusader in 1989's Batman and returned this year in The Flash. 

First of all, the camera work is exquisite. Emmanuel Lubezki's cinematography is extraordinary. He is given numerous instances to simply show off his eye for beauty and colour whether it be a bright, enthusiastic shot or one with increasingly dull tones. The camera moves so fluidly that the audience feels immersed in certain scenes as if they were really a part of that stage production. The film constantly utilises a one take style, kickstarting a scene without introduction only to stop rolling after an 'artificial' cut. It's executed superbly. 

Edward Norton rocks - he is easily the best aspect of Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance). There's a point in the film where it looks like he's just being himself. It's a cold-blooded portrayal of a man engulfed by his intolerable ego. At points I felt myself drifting away, Ed Norton was the main reason that I forced myself to stay awake. On top of that he provides the funniest gag of the film as he proclaims that his character can't be replaced in the play by Ryan Gosling. Emma Stone is great as well. She exudes cruel. A sense of cool narcissism hangs over her with each collected outburst of rage. 

Unfortunately, I was almost always bored. Nothing drew me into this film. From a technical standpoint its a marvel - that can't be exaggerated - but apart from that there was near to no substance for me. The storytelling lacked in general. For example, Asteroid City tackled a similar concept with stronger characterisation and more personal themes. And whilst the style is a brilliant display of talent and ability it doesn't suit the dull, uninspiring story being told in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance).