Our Movie Review: Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)

Why we watched it: lots of positive reviews and Oscar nominations

Our rating: 5 out of 5 stars

His review: Directing a film can be a difficult task. The audience wants (expects?) to be guided through the narrative smoothly, knowing that an expert hand is taking us on this journey. We want that guidance to be subtle and not heavy handed. We don’t want to be pulled out of the film because the direction takes over and becomes the story of the film. But we also know when a director’s choice of camera angle, color, layering of elements, or pace becomes integral to the story. It is these moments we cherish film as an art form.

There are many moments in this film when I cherished the direction–it intrigued me, drew me in, and engaged me with the narrative. The movement of the camera through the backstage of this play, or across the dressing room, built the structure of reality vs fiction that Michael Keaton’s main character struggles with as he tries to resurrect his career. I felt I was in those rooms, moving from backstage to stage to audience. Without the direction, this is not a great film.

But it is a great film, and worthy of the Oscar for best picture. It is a critical and funny examination of acting, of fame, of the world where being fake is reality. The acting is top notch–Keaton is on form, the perfect choice for an actor famed for his superhero movie role trying to earn acclaim on the stage. Edward Norton is on point as a charismatic, narcissistic opposite to Keaton’s desperation. Naomi Watts and Emma Stone are good, although I thought they were given less to work with (more for Watts than Stone).

This is a film that needs to be seen more than once to fully appreciate its layers. I look forward to seeing it again.