DVD Review: Birdman

Courtesy: Fox Searchlight

Starring Michael Keaton, Zach Galifinakis, Emma Stone, and Edward Norton

Written and Directed by Alejandro Inatirru

Rated R

My Rating: *****/5

There have been many diverse offerings since the Oscars opted to reintroduce the

10 best picture nominees. While there is talk of turning them back to 5; I submit that such a precedent

would end up shutting out many of the more unique entries that have been winners in past years. The

newest entry into that elite club is “Birdman,” which is definitely not your typical piece of Oscar bait.

The film concerns the director and star of a play known as Riggle Thompson (Keaton);

who is attempting to rekindle his career after playing the titular superhero became his most notable

role; but strained his career and relationship with his daughter (Stone) in the process.

If this sounds familiar; the film is essentially a parody of Keaton's role in Tim Burton's

1989 version of “Batman” and the 1992 sequel “Batman Returns”, as well as his life after that role.

In essence, this is a role that is tailor-made for Keaton. Not only is it handled with surprising tact

and bittersweet drama; it also shows how he's often at his best when pushing his craft to his limits.

As such, the film also has great satire on the industry; making light of how the more

personal films about people and their relationships are often overshadowed by big-budget, triple-A;

billion-dollar blockbusters (watch for a scene where Spider-Man, Iron Man, Bumblebee and other stars

of tentpole franchises duke it out onstage; as well as ones where Thompson's costumed alter-ego gives

maniacal advice).

The film is also shot with an innovative technique of editing long takes together; giving

the effect of a backstage view as Thompson clashes with a younger understudy played by Edward

Norton, whose own performance is also worthy of standing alongside the likes of “Fight Club” and

“American History X” in his filmography. Seeing Emma Stone play against type is also not only a riot;

but a key moment for her as she plays Thompson's daughter; who wants no part of her father's attempts

to regain his glory and her love.

With all this on the table; “Birdman” is definitely worthy of the pedigree of not only its

lead actor; but also shows what director Alejandro Inatirru can do with a medium that has endless

applications for expressing oneself. It will be remembered as the best picture winner that thrives

on skewering both sides of the industry and providing insight on both through “the unexpected

 virtue of ignorance.”