Birdman (2014)
Dir. Alejandro González Iñárritu
Birdman is the kind of movie where I can completely understand why someone would find it obnoxious while simultaneously having a great time watching it.
The continuous-shot illusion gives the film this frantic, almost theatrical energy. Everyone is constantly moving, arguing, rehearsing, spiraling, or having some sort of existential crisis. It feels less like watching a movie and more like being trapped backstage during the most stressful production of all time.
Michael Keaton is fantastic as Riggan, especially because the character’s insecurity is so intertwined with his obsession with being taken seriously as an artist. But Emma Stone? Oh, she EATS.
Her performance as Sam is easily my favorite part of the film. She gives the character this messy combination of anger, vulnerability, sarcasm, and desperation that makes every scene she’s in feel sharper. That monologue about everyone wanting to feel special while secretly being terrified that they’re insignificant? Yeah. That stayed with me.
Is Birdman a little self-important? Absolutely.
Did I care? Not really.
Sometimes I like watching a movie be completely obsessed with itself.
