"Birdman" (2014) stars Michael Keaton as Riggan Thomson, a washed-up movie star made famous for playing a superhero called "Birdman." Birdman lives on as a voice inside Riggan's head often being very critical of Riggan. Birdman is most critical of Riggan's choice to produce a play he adapted on Broadway, which Riggan thinks will revive his career. Complicating the situation are the other characters associated with the play: Riggan's producer/lawyer Jake (Zach Galifiankis), Riggan's fresh out of rehab daughter/assistant Samantha (Emma Stone), Riggan's actress girlfriend Laura (Andrea Riseborough), first-time on Broadway actress Lesley (Naomi Watts), and a method actor Mike (Edward Norton).
A quirky, beautiful film with a cast that doesn't disappoint. I really liked Keaton and Norton though it was nice to see Stone in a more edgy role. I liked the theme of love vs fame/celebrity, which made the actual play that Riggan adapted really interesting. I admit that this film, like a lot of Academy Award winners, probably isn't for everyone. Some probably won't like the Birdman alter ego or voice, but I didn't mind it as I thought Birdman was Riggan's voice of his doubts. If you can get past the Birdman, there is a lot to like here in terms of the characters, the acting, and just a beautiful film.
I say the Birdman has wings - A
