Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s 2014 movie, “Birdman: The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance” has got to be one of the most inventive and creative ideas of the decade. This cinematic work blends an emotionally driven story about attempting to stay relevant with the technical daring ambition and crazy pursuit of an artist’s purity. It is not only a film that makes you leave thinking about it; it is a movie that pays close attention, while its visual style and immersive sounds only draw you in more.
“Birdman” follows the story of Riggan Thomson, played by Michael Keaton, who was able to convey this fierce weakness in the character. Thomson is a former blockbuster star who was known for playing the role of a winged superhero years earlier. As he hopes to revive his career, he also hopes to make his alter ego disappear as he stages and stars in a Raymond Carver adaptation on Broadway. As the opening night draws closer, his life slowly unravels through stress, personal conflict, and professional chaos; as well as his persistent inner voice that taunts, mocks, and sometimes empowers him.
A major highlight of the appeal of “Birdman” was in the daringness that lies in the cinematography. Shot by Emmanual Lubezki, the film makes it seem as though it is one continuous take, moving through the backstage halls, city streets, and dressing rooms with an immense amount of fluidness that the camera nearly feels like a living thing. This interesting one-shot technique is used to create a sense of chaotic momentum. The scenes bleed into one another without the breathing room of traditional cuts, helping capture the frantic atmosphere, and the mental spiral Thomson undergoes as he runs out of time. The illusion does not work as a stunt, but rather as a way to press the narrative on. By holding the viewer in a continuous flow, the film makes you feel the pressure, claustrophobia, and euphoria Thomson experiences throughout the movie.
The persuasive jazz score from Antonia Sanchez also complements the visual pattern as well. It is a drum-based soundtrack that enters at important emotional moments that help intensify the scenes of conflict or stress with nearly a tangible pulse. The music almost feels less deliberate, like an improvisation that showcases the energy backstage. It rises sharply during hallucinations, arguments, or sudden problems. The result of this is a sound heightens the tense air without overwhelming it. It helps to give the movie a beat that guides the viewer through Thomson’s unraveling mind.
The movie also gains power from its ability to restrain presenting magic as real or surreal. The film regularly hints at Thomson’s abilities and fantastic events. But it also stops short of confirming whether what we see is real or not. The times that appear to be telekinesis or flight are quickly undermined, leaving room for interpretation. Yet, it also allows a moment for the audience to decide whether the extraordinary visuals represent the genuine phenomenon he is, or if they are the distortion of Thomson’s deteriorating mental capacity. Instead of explaining the unusual aspects of the film, it trusts the viewers to draw their own conclusions, making it an engaging story that can also resonate on a deeper level with some.
Each actor’s performance in the movie is incredibly strong. Keaton delivers one of the defining roles in his career, being able to capture both Thomson’s desperation and stubborn hope. Edward Norton brings an unpredictable humor to the film as a great, but risky stage actor. Emma Stone portrays Thomson’s daughter and assistant as an emotionally grounded character, a sharp performance that helps to expose her insecurities and longing to be truly seen.
“Birdman” succeeded because it took a risk on every level. The technical experimentation with its theme, the performances of a diverse cast and being able to deepen the emotional stake as it refused to hold the audience with only one interpretation; while also being able to support itself and create a story that has long-lasting power. The film intertwined visual aspects, jazz scores, and psychological variation to make it an achievement that would stand out.