Ray and I went with our friend David a few nights back to see Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) starring Michael Keaton. I would highly recommend this film. It is quirky, but also deep, and requires a suspension of disbelief in more than one place over the course of the story. Jorge Luis Borges came to mind several times with his bent towards magic realism.
The movie also stars Naomi Watts, Edward Norton, Emma Stone and Zach Galifianakis. The acting is stellar; however, the storyline, which centers on a has-been action hero – Keaton – who is trying to write, direct and produce a Broadway play is what makes this film an exceptional experience. The main character confronts his past while trying to reshape his present and future life; other characters deal with their notion of truth and honesty before the film is over.
Do not walk into this film with an expectation of a reality-based story line. On the contrary, it is highly likely that you will emerge wondering what you just saw. However, there is no question that while this film pushes the boundaries of the real versus unreal, it also brings with it an appreciation of the complexities of life and the benefits of releasing oneself from a self-inflicted prison.
I would give this film an enthusiastic 5 stars.
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