Jackson Prince, co-editor-in-chief
“Birdman”, or “The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance” is, for an experienced actor or struggling English major, a dream film. Its ability to capture the conscience of the audience, by opening our eyes to ideas of reality and glory within reality, makes it a front-runner for Best Picture for this year’s Academy Awards.
Michael Keaton (Riggan Thompson) is brilliantly flustered, while Ed Norton (Michael Shiner) commands the role and pushes the limits of what an audience is willing to accept. Emma Stone, who plays Keaton’s daughter (Sam Thompson), gives the necessary angst to her otherwise typical character, and Andrea Riseborough and Amy Ryan fall into line with the others.
What is a terrifically-acted movie is highlighted, however, by director Alejandro González Iñárritu, who puts the “one-take” to use, weaving together the dream-like plot.
It is a movie that, unlike the other films up for nomination, explores the deeper roots of issues within our perception of reality. It’s two hours for the viewer to experience a neatly messy film, and days after of the viewer to feel privileged to have watched such a film.
This is a review in a series, to view the rest click below.
Selma
Whiplash
The Imitation Game
American Sniper
Boyhood
The Theory of Everything
The Grand Budapest Hotel