Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

9

flametail23Feb 24, 2015

Birdman was the first movie to come out in 2015 here in the UK, it is also the best movie of 2015 so far. The acting and writing is SUPERB, the cast is also very great. The thing I love most tho is that the movie feels like a one shot, whichBirdman was the first movie to come out in 2015 here in the UK, it is also the best movie of 2015 so far. The acting and writing is SUPERB, the cast is also very great. The thing I love most tho is that the movie feels like a one shot, which is hard to pull off.
9/10… Expand

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10

pezMar 13, 2016

Every moment of this movie is captivating. It's breathless, nonstop drama punctuated by eerie moments of quietude.

But the best parts of the movie come in monologues by the main characters. For these sequences the movie twists subtly intoEvery moment of this movie is captivating. It's breathless, nonstop drama punctuated by eerie moments of quietude.

But the best parts of the movie come in monologues by the main characters. For these sequences the movie twists subtly into a stage production, with characters casting their voice and showing exaggerated emotion. These sequences make the movie worth watching. Edward Norton has a few, and Emma Stone has the greatest one in the movie. So, so good.… Expand

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10

OpinionatedGuyDec 20, 2014

I swear if this movie is not nominated for Best Picture in the Oscars, I am going to kill myself.

Watching Birdman is like riding a great two hour long roller coaster. It goes up when an intense scene goes on and it goes down whenI swear if this movie is not nominated for Best Picture in the Oscars, I am going to kill myself.

Watching Birdman is like riding a great two hour long roller coaster. It goes up when an intense scene goes on and it goes down when everything seems fine and then it goes up again when it’s intense and so on.

Birdman feels like it’s a semi-autobiography movie for Michael Keaton. I did not see his other movies including his run as Batman but his performance in this movie alone is enough for me to agree that he is one of the most underrated actors in Hollywood. I do hope this movie gives him more roles to do in the future now he received tons of critical acclaim on his performance.

I like how Michael Keaton did not overshadow the other cast in the movie because the cast performance is brilliant. It seemed like they’re real people in this movie. My favorite performers in this movie besides Michael Keaton were Edward Norton and Emma Stone. They both had their great moments in this movie.

The movie’s plot relies on character development and they did a good job doing that. The movie’s plot also relies on social commentary about Hollywood which they were on point about it especially about “washed up” actors trying to be relevant again as well as the “snobby critics” which was my favorite scene in the entire movie.

I don’t usually comment on musical scores in this movie but I cannot ignore the score in this movie because it was really good. The use of the drums in this movie as a score is perfectly used considering the intense tone of the movie.

The direction from Alejandro González Iñárritu in this movie is amazing. Not to forget that this movie excel the “shot in one take” style of filming very well. It feels like they really shot the movie in one take thanks to clever editing skills.

Birdman could be an Oscar winner next year thanks to its brilliant cast performance especially from Michael Keaton, Edward Norton and Emma Stone as well as great character development, on-point social commentary about Hollywood, really good musical score, amazing direction from Alejandro González Iñárritu and its well-done “shot in one take” filming style.

Birdman is easily not only one of my favorite movies of 2014 but as well as one of my favorite movies of all-time.… Expand

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7

ydnar4Feb 4, 2015

Birdman is like no movie I've ever seen before. Way to go Michael Keaton! If you ever watch this movie be prepared to see the revival of Keaton. This is a man who has been hidden behind other characters for several years in movies like TheBirdman is like no movie I've ever seen before. Way to go Michael Keaton! If you ever watch this movie be prepared to see the revival of Keaton. This is a man who has been hidden behind other characters for several years in movies like The Other Guys and Robocop. Now he is the centre of attention and the performance is so good it earned him a Oscar nomination. Keaton also already played Batman and he has become the forgotten Batman thanks to the new Dark Knight trilogy. That only makes his Birdman role more appropriate. I would be completely happy with Michael Keaton winning the Best Actor Oscar this year and it is well earned. There are some other great performances on here from Edward Norton who really surprised me for the first half of the movie and Emma Stone who really shows that she can take on a dramatic role. I will likely only see Birdman once, but I am still glad I watched it. This movie may lack action but there is still never a dull moment.… Expand

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8

ToFewViewsJan 14, 2015

Birdman is a step forward in Filmaking, It adds a whole new level of immersion to the film by making it seem like one contentious shot. Other films like "Children Of Men" Have used the same method but never to this extent. This film gives youBirdman is a step forward in Filmaking, It adds a whole new level of immersion to the film by making it seem like one contentious shot. Other films like "Children Of Men" Have used the same method but never to this extent. This film gives you the feeling of being right there with the actors. The story follows Michael Keaton as an actor on Broadway trying to put together a play after quitting his roll as "Birdman" in 1992. The play he is in is becoming increasing difficult to keep together and the pressure starts to weight down upon him and the other actors.
The acting in this film is easily one it's strong points, with most actors/actresses having extremely deep and well preformed monologues as well as great overall performances.
The story has great writing as well with tons of commentary on Actors and Hollywood of Today. From Horrible Media, Hateful Critics and Actors ego's/Persona's.
Overall this film is beautiful and very enjoyable. I found myself captivated by it, But by the end of the film I had a bit of that "Um, What" Felling but in a good way.… Expand

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9

borderlinefilmsFeb 4, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Mounting Spontaneity

It's not fair.

I love Raymond Carver, long takes, theatre, Batman, NYC rooftops and alleyways, the blending layers of self-referential fiction, delirious fantasy, the creative process, the insane logistics of run-on cinematography, the seamless assembly of shifting environments, stepping into unresolved mental spaces, demonstrations of solitary madness and the unbearable anticipation of being, being judged, being booed, un-being, unhinging, delusional uppers, existential downers, magic surrealism, telekinetic fury, dreams of flying, throwing tantrums, the fragile yet invincible ego, immaculately constructed chaos, the recurring climax of ending it all -- where the blazes is that blasted improvisational drumming coming from? -- oh there, and there, so absurd, don't stop, the shot must go on, the show must go on, "You are not important, get used to it," she said, but so much angst overwhelms him, tethered to a feathered fantasy, a nagging reminder of what once was, or could have been, refusing to believe it's too late to soar to former heights, yet grounded by time and gravity, trapped in a narrative, caged in a fabrication, "You're an actress, honey," says another, "you have no self-respect" and all actors are game, Keaton and Stone zoned-in, knowing the pain, pretending to not care or pretending to matter, failing to be authentic, acting over acting, meta-acting meta-fiction meta-filmed with a meta-critical message: yeah, we're all messed-up and meta-fµcked, but after shooting your nose to spite the ruse, by unmasking the unexpected virtue of ignorance, peeling off layers of pretence and self-importance, you just might find a momentary strain of pure, uncomplicated innocence.

It's not fair. I love this sh*t!… Expand

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9

beycauseFeb 6, 2015

Achei interessante a crítica que o filme faz ao cinema atual, realmente é bem do jeito que eles retrataram. Se não for um filme Marvel/DC cheio de efeitos, explosões e uma produção caríssima, dificilmente você irá conseguir holofotes. EmmaAchei interessante a crítica que o filme faz ao cinema atual, realmente é bem do jeito que eles retrataram. Se não for um filme Marvel/DC cheio de efeitos, explosões e uma produção caríssima, dificilmente você irá conseguir holofotes. Emma Stone teve um belo "highlight".… Expand

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4

KaarenJun 14, 2015

There are a lot of great actors in this movie, all of whom, except Naomi Watts, screw up.
She is phenomenal, but the rest of the movie is just a failure.

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9

monica424Dec 12, 2014

Birdman is an amazing film and i watched it in the cinema. When the blu-ray will come? Hope to watch blu-ray version by my Aurora blu-ray player. Now it is on Christmas sale season.

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6

NerdConsultantJan 2, 2015

this is a very good movie that is really well made and acted but I didn't love the film and i'm not quite sure why. maybe theres something wrong with me cause i was watching it thinking i should love this. maybe it's cause the films style isthis is a very good movie that is really well made and acted but I didn't love the film and i'm not quite sure why. maybe theres something wrong with me cause i was watching it thinking i should love this. maybe it's cause the films style is a bit overpowering and can be exhausting or that it goes on a bit too long and has a really bizarre ending. but i think it's down to it's implied contempt towards blockbusters which is distracting. that being said it's still a good movie with some of michael Keaton ,Zach Galifianakis and emma stone's best perfomances… Expand

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7

pesho_oneFeb 18, 2015

It is probably hard to really like a product if you have your expectations high on the first place. I guess this is one of the reasons, I didn't like it that much. I did enjoyed it though, but only to a certain degree. And that degree wasIt is probably hard to really like a product if you have your expectations high on the first place. I guess this is one of the reasons, I didn't like it that much. I did enjoyed it though, but only to a certain degree. And that degree was limited by this sense I got throughout the whole movie. The characters were actors and the actual actors... well.. where also... uh... actors. But never mind, it was one chain reaction of acting all over the place. And don't get me wrong, - it was all good acting both pretended-real, real and real but pretended to be pretended-real. And it was wise and daring... If you think about it, it can even be sum up by these words: acting, wise thoughts, daring,.. and probably... twitter? I don't know it is a strange movie, which interestingly, also succeeds to be entertaining.… Expand

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10

TheFilmFanaticDec 31, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Birdman is an unusually fulfilling black comedy with superb writing and excellent direction. The cinematography is absolute perfection with the use of one continuous shot throughout the entire film, giving cohesion to the narrative. The story was realistic and intriguing putting a washed-up superhero actor into the shoes of a washed-up superhero actor. Keaton's portrayal of Kiggan is brilliant, giving an Oscar-worthy performance that raises the question of how much of it was really acting? Edward Norton and Emma Stone also deliver phenomenal performances in an all around fantastic film.

Of course Birdman isn't for everyone given its use of art film techniques, but that should not detract from its brilliantly obscure story-telling. If this film is foreshadowing the future of superhero actors then bring on the Robert Downey Jr theatre productions.… Expand

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10

JohnMasterLFeb 27, 2015

Birdman odia las criticas al igual que a los críticos. Es un espectáculo, a todos aquellos que disfruten del cine, lo comenten entre sus amigos, familia, hacen debates sobre una pelicula de cualquier genero al momento de salir de la función;Birdman odia las criticas al igual que a los críticos. Es un espectáculo, a todos aquellos que disfruten del cine, lo comenten entre sus amigos, familia, hacen debates sobre una pelicula de cualquier genero al momento de salir de la función; quedaran totalmente satisfechos, porque Birdman no es solo una obra de Arte con su excelente Guion, Actuaciones, Soundtrack, Fotografía, Edición y Dirección, también es una critica social, donde nos recuerda que ahora el cine es comercial, la mejor pelicula es aquella que gana mas dinero, y no solo eso; aquella pelicula también tiene que tener acción, explosiones, efectos especiales, sexo, pornografía y drogas para ser considerada "una obra maestra" y cualquier otra que no cuente con esto y solo incluya un Guion inteligente y filosófico es mala y aburrida. ¿Estos tiempos son una mierda no? Birdman es una pelicula que critica a otras películas y ellos se critican a si mismos, un circulo vicioso de la ignorancia. Esos 4 OSCARS los tiene muy bien merecidos, mi favorita del 2014.… Expand

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10

TheRocksBarneyJan 8, 2015

“Birdman (Or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” is a simply excellent film. Why? There is a scene in “Birdman” where Riggan Thompson (played by Michael Keaton), who is trying to direct and star in his Broadway adaptation of the Raymond“Birdman (Or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” is a simply excellent film. Why? There is a scene in “Birdman” where Riggan Thompson (played by Michael Keaton), who is trying to direct and star in his Broadway adaptation of the Raymond Carver play “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love”, walks towards the front of the stage and talks about love, what it is to be loved, and how we all crave that. But is it love we crave? Or, as Sam (played by Emma Stone) puts it, is Riggan confusing love with admiration? These are some of the many wide-ranging questions that “Birdman” leaves you with as you leave the cinema and you thus don’t really realise how good the cast, direction, dialogue and score are until you’ve given up on those questions, realising that they are just too difficult to answer.
The cast is simply stellar in “Birdman”, brilliantly led by Michael Keaton in what Variety’s Peter Debruge calls the “comeback of the century” and which I agree with him over. However, I’m not sure if Michael Keaton would accept this title, in a recent interview promoting the film he laughed at the concept, yet the comparisons between his career and that of Riggans are unavoidable, he also laughed when this was bought up too. But, to be fair, all I knew of Michael Keaton before I saw “Birdman” was that he had starred in the 1989 “Batman” film as well as in its 1992 sequel “Batman Returns”. His career hasn’t been stellar and it’s a surprise I even knew his name before I saw “Birdman” really… But his performance in this film deserves all the attention he gets and all the awards he is being nominated for. Riggan is a complex character and you are never quite sure about him, how he feeling and how he feels towards others, not only because of how Riggan changes as the film goes on but also because of how that reflects the ever-changing nature of the film, moving from one question or theme to the other without actually leaving it behind, instead leaving it in the back of your mind for you to think about later.
Again, as I said earlier, the rest of the cast is great too. Edward Norton is brilliant (playing the self-obsessed, ego-driven actor who feels more real on the stage than off it, Mike Shiner). But then Miles is so much more than that and again it’s hard to put your finger on what or who he is and what he is looking for. Zach Galifanakis (playing Riggan’s agent, Jake) who is trying to keep Riggan grounded, is also brilliant and then so is Emma Stone and Naomi Watts (although both seem to be in very familiar roles). I could go on listing actors and actresses but it would just be a paragraph of names. (Last one I promise but Amy Ryan also does well playing Riggan’s ex-wife Slyvia.)
But each of these is alleviated, and should thanking him in any of their Oscars speeches, by the film’s director, Alejandro González Iñárritu. Alejandro hasn’t done many English-Language films before (except Babel in 2006 and 21 Grams in 2003), and considering that, it makes his direction in “Birdman” even more outstanding. Where he really excels is in how “Birdman” is seemingly filmed in one take. These really emphasise how good the acting is in this film, be it a monologue by Emma Stone as she rants at her dad, a take that involves Michael Keaton walking in just his underpants through Times Square, or a scene where Keaton and Edward Norton rehearse on stage. What makes these one takes even better is how the film is almost entirely set in St. James Theatre and you really get a feel for it as you glide around it in these one takes, feeling, seeing and hearing everything that is going on. It truly is an experience. I loved every moment of it and what this ultimately did for me was make me feel like I was part of the production, as if I was being given this behind the scenes look at what was going on. This thrill inspired me to get back into acting, something that I used to do a lot of. What happens with this you as the film goes on, you begin to realise that this is less of a trip to the cinema and more of a trip to the theatre. It’s a good mix of both and I can’t really imagine it being the same on DVD, although it never is. I will definitely be seeing it again.

Birdman’s dialogue is great too and it matches the fast-paced score of “Birdman”. Both match how unique “Birdman” is. And that is where its brilliance lies. Just like how when you are in a production and the curtains come down on closing night you come to think that you really did not want that to end, and I had the same feeling when “Birdman” did. Its cast, score and direction are all what will be directly nominated come the Oscars, but there is no specific award for the questions “Birdman” made me think about, the way “Birdman” made me feel and the lessons “Birdman” taught me.… Expand

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8

DedBraneMikeDec 16, 2014

A fascinating experiment to say the least. It's good to see a film that tries to tell a story in a different way. Despite some scenes not working very well at all (which is expected for a movie faked to look like one long take). Other thanA fascinating experiment to say the least. It's good to see a film that tries to tell a story in a different way. Despite some scenes not working very well at all (which is expected for a movie faked to look like one long take). Other than that, it's a very good little movie worthy of your time.… Expand

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9

petrocsDec 17, 2014

There are films you experience and there are films you view. Do you know the difference? A film you experience is one that you become completely immersed, that you lose yourself to the world in which you are subjected to. Experiences likeThere are films you experience and there are films you view. Do you know the difference? A film you experience is one that you become completely immersed, that you lose yourself to the world in which you are subjected to. Experiences like Birdman do not come along everyday. Director Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu opens his film with his main character hovering, weightless, in his underwear, deciphering the current state of his life. It's the only time the camera, and the audience, are given a reprieve in the film, as it is shot completely in long takes. It's a movie in name, but a test of endurance for your mind. So come along with me now and enjoy the tale of the Birdman.
Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) is a washed-up Hollywood actor looking to reinvent his career. Thomson is best known for his role as the Birdman, a successful superhero franchise that skyrocketed the actor to worldwide popularity. After leaving the franchise after three mega hits, Thomson found that replicating the success for his Birdman persona was a lot easier said than done. Spending the next twenty years wallowing in mediocrity takes a toll on a man, and Riggan Thomson is ready for a change. The actor decides the best way to do this is by writing, directing, and starring in a play, an adaptation of Raymond Carver's short story "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love".
Knowing the challenge ahead of him, Thomson enlists the help of his best friend/lawyer Jake (Zack Galifianakis) to produce the film and his daughter Sam (Emma Stone), a recovering drug addict, to serve as his assistant. The cast is made up of Riggan's girlfriend Laura (Andrea Riseborough), first-time-Broadway-actress Lesley (Naomi Watts), and Mike (Edward Norton), Lesley's troubled boyfriend. With the show about to open, Riggan begins to hear the voice of his alter ego, Birdman, berating him for the life choices he's made. Experiencing these bouts also leads to fits of anger which are depicted in Riggan's mind by the way of telekinesis and levitation.
After the first of a series of preview nights for the play, Riggan reads some early reviews and becomes enraged that Mike has stolen the spotlight. Riggan desperate to be relevant again, begins to spiral into an emotionally conflicted state which pits him against the people he loves and the success of the play. A man who has spent the majority of his life searching for answers to how to sustain his relevance is now faced with the harsh realities that he, like the rest of the world, do not matter. The time may have arrived to accept the truths about his current state of being and learn to adapt, but can Riggan dismiss his need for acceptance?
Birdman is an astonishing technical film from start to finish. Emmanuel Lubezki's camera work is phenomenal and the transition from scene to scene is magically edited to appear as one long take. Iñárritu (21 Grams) navigates this extremely ambitious film with spectacular skill and creates not only a technically beautiful film, but a movie that's intimate and emotional at it's core. Michael Keaton is absolutely astonishing as Riggan Thomson. The characters mental roller coaster allows Keaton to explore his characters emotional core and he succeeds in his portrayal with an Oscar worthy performance. Edward Norton is fantastic as the arrogant Broadway lifer. An actor known for his difficulties on sets feel right at home in this role. Naomi Watts and Zach Galifianakis are truly delightful as well but it is Emma Stone who steals the show. Stone's character represents hope to Keaton's Riggan and the two are magical together.

Overall, Birdman is a movie that is ambitious and thought-provoking which will delight film goers who search a movie with style and substance. We will definitely be hearing from this movie come award season.… Expand

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9

danippMar 13, 2015

Despite unnecessary things like a kiss between two women and a relationship between Stone and Norton, Birdman is another incredible film by Iñárritu. Funny, exciting, with an amazing drum sound on the background and scenes filmed on a singleDespite unnecessary things like a kiss between two women and a relationship between Stone and Norton, Birdman is another incredible film by Iñárritu. Funny, exciting, with an amazing drum sound on the background and scenes filmed on a single shot. You won't see an original and entertainment movie like that so soon! Besides, it's nice to watch Keaton playing basically himself on screen and giving us a superb performance.… Expand

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8

omnificentDec 26, 2014

This a very exciting film visually, with almost every scene shot with close-ups that so much in your face that it feels like the action is crowding your personal space. Also, the scene in which Keaton and Norton engage in an actor'sThis a very exciting film visually, with almost every scene shot with close-ups that so much in your face that it feels like the action is crowding your personal space. Also, the scene in which Keaton and Norton engage in an actor's version of a fistfight is one the funniest things I've seen in the movies this year (although I was the only one in the theater laughing uproariously). I was not bothered by the many shifts between fantasy and reality, as this is what the theater and movies are all about. The many points at which things seem to be heading towards a disaster that never comes reminded me of dialogue from Shakespeare in Love--

HENSLOWE

"Mr. Fennyman, let me explain about the theatre business The natural condition is one of unsurmountable
obstacles on the road to imminent disaster...."

FENNYMAN
So what do we do ?

HENSLOWE
Nothing. Strangely enough, it all turns out well."… Expand

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9

WheelzFourReelzDec 28, 2014

No movie this year has full capitalized movies as art like Birdman did. Everything from the cinematography to the acting to the premise to the dialogue to the humor to the drama to the score is nailed perfectly. My only gripe is that the filmNo movie this year has full capitalized movies as art like Birdman did. Everything from the cinematography to the acting to the premise to the dialogue to the humor to the drama to the score is nailed perfectly. My only gripe is that the film runs a little long, but it's a small nitpick. Every movie lover needs to see this film at some point in their life.… Expand

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9

jhull123Jan 5, 2015

The movie may seem difficult to understand for most, but for some who have identified the film's connotations believe the film to shed light on some of the idiocies that today's audience has developed. In addition to its compelling contextThe movie may seem difficult to understand for most, but for some who have identified the film's connotations believe the film to shed light on some of the idiocies that today's audience has developed. In addition to its compelling context the ambiguity of the ending ranks this movie above all.… Expand

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9

ajarias96Jan 8, 2015

Birdman is indeed a cast effort. The entire cast gives exceptional performances and there is no weak link, it's as if each actor raised the other to the next level. The best example of this is with Emma Stone who gives her best performance toBirdman is indeed a cast effort. The entire cast gives exceptional performances and there is no weak link, it's as if each actor raised the other to the next level. The best example of this is with Emma Stone who gives her best performance to date. Stone goes head to head with veterans like Michael Keaton and Edward Norton and stays right there with them. The true highlight of Birdman is the cinematography by the genius that is Emmanuel Lubezki, after receiving his much deserved first Oscar for Gravity just a year ago he will surely win another this year for his superb work. The writing is funny and smart, the acting is brilliant, and the technicals are outstanding. Birdman is superbly directed and is truly an overall great movie… Expand

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9

Asif-khanApr 2, 2015

A brilliant movie with an even more brilliant cast. Hats off to Edward Norton, perhaps the best thing in the film along with it's unique Cinematography.

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8

AndoniZarrJan 18, 2015

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's finest work. Unfortunately to me, it still feels pretentious in many ways. Somehow A.G.I. always gives the impression that the only thing he is interested in when making a feature is in winning awards. He reallyAlejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's finest work. Unfortunately to me, it still feels pretentious in many ways. Somehow A.G.I. always gives the impression that the only thing he is interested in when making a feature is in winning awards. He really knows the "Hollywood critics recipe" (if we can call it that way), trying to be objective here, not everyone can manage to create a film that will be effective for the award season, so lets say he excels at doing that. Putting that judgement aside, the fact is that Birdman includes outstanding performances from Micheal Keaton, Edward Norton (in my opinion he is even more impressive than Keaton) and Emma Stone. As always, Emmanuel Lubezki showcases a visual delight that proves why he is one of the most talented cinematographers of the century. The film's score is also something that must be appreciated as one of a kind.… Expand

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10

pacame13Jan 23, 2015

By far the best movie of the year. Best written and best acted. Should win the oscar!! Alejandro revolutionizes film-making. I can´t believe they are comparing the failure of Boyhood with this piece of art.

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10

mrhonthyJan 21, 2015

The sound of drums play as we hear Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) for the first time. We see him from behind, in just his underwear, levitating off the ground. The former superhero movie star is in his Broadway dressing room looking out ontoThe sound of drums play as we hear Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) for the first time. We see him from behind, in just his underwear, levitating off the ground. The former superhero movie star is in his Broadway dressing room looking out onto the world from his window. All the while a voice in his head is growling, the devil on his shoulder, judging his every move.
Keaton plays a washed up actor who used to be a box office superhero star decades before. He is trying to get his last big hit on Broadway, which he directs and in which stars. But for Riggan, it is hard because his alter-ego makes him doubt himself all the time. His alter superhero background in the film is clearly an allusion to Keaton’s role as Batman back in 1989 and this realistic film references other box office superheroes such as Robert Downey Jr. and Jeremy Renner by making jokes about how they’re all “wearing capes now.”
Birdman guides you through a journey of tight staircases and crowded hallways. You experience the fictional flight of Riggan, escaping his daily stress as he soars above skyscrapers. You can feel the pain of Emma Stone’s character, Sam, as she watches her father’s rapid break down. These perfectly choreographed shots are just the beginning of the many things that are great about Birdman. Every scene is accompanied by a powerful score and incredible acting.
The biggest struggle Riggan has with his play,“What We Talk About When We Talk About Love,” is his co-star, Mike Shiner. After the lead actor gets injured on set, Shiner is called to fill in before audience previews. Shiner, portrayed by Edward Norton, known for Fight Club and American History X. He is an outgoing actor who acts as if he is just being himself on stage, but he is self-absorbed and shallow off it. Shiner struggles to find his way as a human being and how to become the best he can be. Lesley, played by Naomi Watts who is known for The Impossible, Shiner’s significant other, is fulfilling her childhood dream of playing on Broadway. Her stress over her first Broadway role, coupled with Shiner playing her stage love interest, is a recipe for disaster.
Another actor who pulls off a great role, is none other than Zach Galifianakis. As Riggan’s manager and best friend, Brandon Vander Hey, he helps him through his toughest moments and does his best to make everything right. Amy Ryan, who was in Gone Baby Gone, plays Riggan’s ex-wife. She only has brief screen time, but through her presence, we witness Riggan at his lowest and highest points.
In the end, every actor in this movie does a huge amount work to pull of such a phenomenal production and the director, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, made a fantastic film. Birdman is a rollercoaster that shows us that we must hit rock bottom to rise back up, and it is one of the best movies you will see all year.… Expand

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10

kinoralphJan 22, 2015

This is art in its best form. The direction, the music, the editing are so well build. The best part is the conclusion because makes me realize how powerful the films can be in your own life.

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10

j3015Mar 17, 2015

Alejandro Gonzalez Innarritu's surreal masterpiece Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) tackles the internal/external conflict of making art. The film revolves around Riggan Thomson (played by an excellent Michael Keaton), a washedAlejandro Gonzalez Innarritu's surreal masterpiece Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) tackles the internal/external conflict of making art. The film revolves around Riggan Thomson (played by an excellent Michael Keaton), a washed up actor who decides to direct, write, and star in his own Broadway adaptation of Raymond Carver's short story "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love". All of Riggan's struggles with his personal life and his ego manifests itself in the days leading up to the play. The film is very self aware and it definitely challenges audiences with its concepts. Those concepts, mind you, are open to interpretation. There's some irony that it won Best Picture and not in a good way. I was actually hoping it wouldn't win because it kind of takes the bite out of the satire.… Expand

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8

Kacy00Feb 6, 2015

New York's background and temporal attitude was perfect to highlight the film's central topic of ignorance and egotism. Birdman is a must-see movie that demands we look at ourselves and others without judgement.

Realism and surrealism areNew York's background and temporal attitude was perfect to highlight the film's central topic of ignorance and egotism. Birdman is a must-see movie that demands we look at ourselves and others without judgement.

Realism and surrealism are excellently executed in this movie. Tastefully acted, The Virtue of Ignorance is a great look at what it is like to be an artist on stage and in television. Riggan is an insightful flawed protagonist, as a representation of the struggles of real life actors. His pain is not something the ordinary man would understand and his actions mirror his pain.

The cast acted tremendously well and careers were solidified and made with this film. I found myself laughing out loud at the incredibly dark writing and mesmerized by the raw and honest editing choices.

Birdman is many things but most importantly, it is a love story. A love story of a man's love for his ex-wife and daughter. The struggle to love himself, his art, and love, love itself.… Expand

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9

FyanElFeb 8, 2015

A splendid film that can make the audience relate to their matters in reality. This is a movie about a man trying to succeed in becoming a theater actor,but his fans only cared about his past works. Get ready to laugh your socks out with oneA splendid film that can make the audience relate to their matters in reality. This is a movie about a man trying to succeed in becoming a theater actor,but his fans only cared about his past works. Get ready to laugh your socks out with one liners,also do pay attention to rants the characters did on the issues we face in the current society.… Expand

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8

JULIUSCORREAFeb 13, 2015

O filme conta a história de Riggan, um ator experiente, mas que ficou marcado por interpretar um super-herói, o Homem-Pássaro, e agora tenta mostrar que ele pode mais do que isso, investindo tudo em uma apresentação na Broadway. Peça escrita,O filme conta a história de Riggan, um ator experiente, mas que ficou marcado por interpretar um super-herói, o Homem-Pássaro, e agora tenta mostrar que ele pode mais do que isso, investindo tudo em uma apresentação na Broadway. Peça escrita, dirigida e atuada por Riggan. O filme se passa na semana de estreia de sua peça.

O diretor Alejandro González Iñarritu tem a intenção de fazer um plano-sequência, onde não há cortes drásticos ou são quase imperceptíveis, pois o filme se passa basicamente no teatro onde será realizada a peça. E ele o faz com excelencia, não se vê o tempo passa muito bem, por culpa das cenas sequenciais. O elenco mostra a que veio, principalmente com as ótimas atuações de Michael Keaton, Edward Norton e Emma Stone, mas até Zack Galafianakis, conhecido por seu papel em 'Se Beber, Não Case!' e Naomi Watts, tem atuações boas no filme.

Cheio de dramas e surtos, o longa tenta mostrar os problemas e desavenças dentro do show business, transmitindo a ansiedade da estreia através dos personagens em diversas maneiras. E a forma usada para demostrar o passado sobre a vida de Riggan, através de uma voz falando como se fosse a sua consciência, é um bom ponto do filme. Cercado de ótimas atuações o filme convence, mas passa longe de ser uma obra-prima a ser revista mais de uma vez.… Expand

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9

teaguewdFeb 23, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Occasionally a film comes along that really kicks ass. As this is basically the full-package, I’m going to focus first and foremost on the performances.

Acting is foregrounded in this film as a primary stylistic device. We see the tandem of realism and exaggerated acting styles perfectly navigate the meta-ness of the film, as we go through a backstage broadway show within a film, at times not quite sure if they are performing within the diegetic world the way its 'edited'. The decision to do the whole bit in a 'single shot' ensures we don't cut away and miss any of the great interactions that the narrative is positively bulging with(Although the camera moves at just the right rhythm for us to lose track of the contents of one scene and make room for the next). Scenes are divided in a way that is genuinely unique, cuts presumably coming as the camera wanders away as characters disperse, makes its way through the dark halls and reassimilates to a new encounter, unencumbered by traditional impeding notions of spatial or temporal continuity(but still keeping an interestingly motivated progression of events).

Ed Norton is pretty forceful in this film, it seems he's really come to terms with some of the lore around his being a pain in the ass to work with. Early scenes between he and Keaton are made exceptionally intense and riveting by the perpetually moving camera, its propensity to lunge in for close-ups and orbit the face give them great opportunities to lash out at one another, of which they take full advantage.

A thinner, almost sickly Emma Stone moves outside her previous typecast persona into something a little edgier and more utilitarian; its always a milestone when an actor finally gives you performance that allows us to forget our glaring yet superficial associations with their typical roles(for her, this is it).

Of Michael Keaton, someone said this was his best performance, it may have been he himself, and of what I’ve seen, I’m inclined to agree.

The show within the show ends with a brilliant reflexive moment, echoing in meaningful homage, as Keaton's character points the gun at the audience before turning it on himself, perhaps invoking the final shot of the indelible 'Great Train Robbery', as if to signal the film's knowledge of its place in the contemporary industry flooded with the kind of escapist mass-production that the devil(bird) on his soldier tempts him with throughout.

In many ways it is both truly unique and masterfully executed, and comes in under the definition of those films that are objectively ‘worth seeing’, as even if they aren’t your cup of tea, or whatever, there is something of intrigue that will inevitably strike.

The incompatibility of Hollywood and art is the primary issue that the film, and its main character deal with in the film, and I think it will take audiences and critics alike, awhile to collectively and retrospectively make the utmost of sense out of this movie, but in the aftermath of its winning of the Oscar for Best Picture, among others, it only complicates the issue. If you have any stake in it, and you do, you should go see this film.… Expand

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9

JaketheClickerFeb 21, 2015

It has been a couple of months since my first time watching "Birdman" and the more I think about it, the more I love it!

From every angle, this movie succeeds. The cinematography is done with outstanding effects to make about 90% of theIt has been a couple of months since my first time watching "Birdman" and the more I think about it, the more I love it!

From every angle, this movie succeeds. The cinematography is done with outstanding effects to make about 90% of the film in a single, artificial shot. The free flowing nature of the camera work fits into the film so well by bringing us into the pressure that these actors must feel (both as the characters must feel as well as the pressure of not screwing up a 10 minute take). Everything feels real, everything feels on edge and everything feels like it's one long continuous disaster an inch away from falling apart. It's an extra layer in what the characters are feeling. It's also an outstanding achievement in cinema. Everybody in front of the camera does a fantastic job, bringing in their A game. Keaton, Norton, Stone, everybody is incredible here. The film explores the idea of artistic creation vs. Hollywood fame and what the two mean for actors, critics and audience expectations. Keaton's character struggles to shake off the perception of him being a Hollywood, one hit wonder as the superhero Birdman by writing, directing and starring in his own adaption Raymond Carver for Broadway. The writing is clever and helps dissect what this all means for the film industry while at the same time giving this black comedy some style. It's also worth pointing out how brilliant the casting of Keaton is in this main role, he must have had a great time playing this role. The soundtrack also goes without saying, it's so damn good! This film is satire, clever and delivers on being a simply next-level film in every way. I recommend everybody watch this movie, but remember, don't be the audience that expects and wants "blood, action, not this talking, depressing, philosophical bulls***".… Expand

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8

lyonsd78Feb 22, 2015

The star of the show here is Alejandro González Iñárritu, make no mistake about that. The innovative way he uses his photography here is what makes this movie stand out. Of course, his vision couldn't have worked with sloppy actors; andThe star of the show here is Alejandro González Iñárritu, make no mistake about that. The innovative way he uses his photography here is what makes this movie stand out. Of course, his vision couldn't have worked with sloppy actors; and Keaton, Norton and Galifinakis nail their roles. In my opinion, this isn't Emma Stone's finest moment as she constantly looked like she was acting, which has left be bewildered at her Oscar nod. The film's surrealness will work for some, but not for others. A great movie because it is uniquely shot, but falls just short of being a classic.… Expand

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8

hugoactiviaFeb 23, 2015

Great movie overall, screenplay was perfectly written and actors came through. Outstanding directing indeed and "one take" style very appealing, however, it seemed to me that the movie itself lacked a bit of action - not talking aboutGreat movie overall, screenplay was perfectly written and actors came through. Outstanding directing indeed and "one take" style very appealing, however, it seemed to me that the movie itself lacked a bit of action - not talking about shootings and car chases - just something that would have kept me more into the movie. I got bored in some parts.… Expand

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7

hshjeannieFeb 27, 2015

The acting is stellar, this includes not just Keaton and Norton, but also Naomi Watts, Emma Stone, Zach Galifianakis, Amy Ryan and Andrea Riseborough. The film is heavy on style - and yes it's a refreshing style. But the intense "edginess"The acting is stellar, this includes not just Keaton and Norton, but also Naomi Watts, Emma Stone, Zach Galifianakis, Amy Ryan and Andrea Riseborough. The film is heavy on style - and yes it's a refreshing style. But the intense "edginess" created by Inarittu is not my idea of "comedy" black or otherwise. The the appeal of this type of intensity is highly subjective - at times it was simply too much for me. The jagged tone and intensity made it difficult to appreciate what was a dramatic tool - this Birdman / alter-ego that we hear in Keaton's head. It's not entertaining when you can't help but wonder if the man is seriously suffering from mental breakdown marked with schizophrenia. ( No spoilers here) And then there's the whole BIG fact that this is film is for movie/stage insiders, yes the actors and the director are having a grand time, and those in the industry can thoroughly enjoy this self-indulgent vanity piece - but as for the rest of us?… Expand

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9

ellimar188Mar 2, 2015

I absolutely loved Birdman! The writing is clever, engaging, and interesting, while Alejandro Inarritu does a brilliant job directing. I was amazed at the length of the shots in Birdman. In fact, I could not actually tell when one shot endedI absolutely loved Birdman! The writing is clever, engaging, and interesting, while Alejandro Inarritu does a brilliant job directing. I was amazed at the length of the shots in Birdman. In fact, I could not actually tell when one shot ended and another began; the entire film seemed to flow seamlessly as one scene. Furthermore, the use of magical realism was extremely interesting, showing the tormented and conflicted mental state of the protagonist, Riggan Thomson (played to perfection by Michael Keaton). As you have likely already heard, all of the actors in this film have performed extremely well.

My only minor gripe with Birdman is its use of Edward Norton's character, Mike Shiner, an unorthodox and unpredictable Broadway actor. The character takes a major role from the start to middle of the film, with hints at his troubled personal life present throughout, only for Mike to be nearly disregarded by the end. However, I am unsure how an adequate amount of time could have been devoted to Mike without infringing on Riggan's struggles. Regardless, Birdman is a great film that I would recommend to anyone looking for a thought provoking, black-comedy drama!… Expand

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10

MattBrady99Mar 10, 2015

Riggan: I'm nothing. I'm not even here.

The story to Birdman is about an wash up actor (Michael Keaton) - famous for portraying an iconic superhero - as he struggles to mount a Broadway play. In the days leading up to opening night, heRiggan: I'm nothing. I'm not even here.

The story to Birdman is about an wash up actor (Michael Keaton) - famous for portraying an iconic superhero - as he struggles to mount a Broadway play. In the days leading up to opening night, he battles his ego and attempts to recover his family, his career, and himself.

Okay in my review of Whiplash I bought this movie up mid way through the review just to give a heads up of when I'm going to watch it, because Birdman was my most hyped film of 2014. But just like every time I really wanted to see a film so baldy I have to wait for a while until I finally get a chance to watch it, story of my life really. But anywhere I was really looking forward to this movie ever since September, and now finally seeing the film I can safely say that Birdman is one of the best movie of 2014.

I always know that Micheal Keaton was the kind of movie star that will pick any random movie role just because... well he what's to be important and still show to everyone that he still got it, I guess?. Like early last year now he was in two movies that were pretty blah, and that was The Robocop remake and the film Need for Speed, and those films just made Keaton look like he was just cashing it in just for the sake of it. Until when I watched this movie and seeing Micheal Keaton's performance and thinking to myself "Wait is Keaton giving probably his best performance I've ever seen in my life? I think he is", because Keaton in this movie pretty much pulls of the best performance I've seen him in his all career. His character in this movie is like a wash up actor who had everything like love from the critics, his fans. Yeah he still dose have that Keaton thing that he always dose in his previous movies, but the scenes where he plays his character (Which is himself if you really look at his character in this movie) but anywhere he still gives a strong and believable performance that at times give me flashbacks of the good old days where he still had roots and felt like he isn't just cashing it in. I hear a lot of Oscar buzz about his performance in this movie, and I wouldn't be surprise if he wins because he totally deserves it. Excellent work Keaton.

Edward Norton is this movie pretty much plays a familiar character to himself has the hard to work with actor that at times doesn't follow the lines that he was given or even the direction he was told. We already know that Norton is a fantastic actor in his previous work, but in this movie his performance could be descried has stellar and insanely good.

Emma Stone is this movie and of course like most of the actors I named of so far of who outstanding they were in this movie and well you can already guess what I'm going to say next. Emma Stone acting in this movie was just terrific and marvellous to watch in this movie and it's good to see a real break out performance from her more than the lay back ones in her other movies. Nice one Emma. The other cast in the movie like Naomi Watts, Zach Galifianakis both did good as well.

The movie is shot to look like it's all one shot take and my mind was just blown away by that fact. There where screens were I said to myself "Oh my god is it one shot?", well I can already imagine the stress, hard work and how many takes they had to do to get it, and boy did it pay off nicely, because I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. I dared myself to look away from the beautiful cinematography and the impressive editing used in the film.

The movie has a brilliant message about film critics today that doesn't feel like it's in your face message that you normally get in movies. There is a scene in this movie and it's not a spoiler by the way, but I really need to get this out the way first. So anywhere Micheal Keaton character just starts having a rant over this theater critic who is going to give a bad review to his play when she hasn't even seen it or seen any of the premieres. He talks about how she only users big words that nobody will say in person and shes to lazy to come up what she really thinks about it so she users big words just to fill in the sentence. This movie probably has the best rant in movie history and Keaton in that scene shows how good of a actor that he is.

For problems in the movie... I really don't have any to be honest.

I loved this movie and yes I'm coming out be saying that. This isn't just the best movie of the year and such, no this is just flawless film making right here. Birdman and Whiplash are the two films I will highly recommend to people because those two films are my favorite films of 2014.… Expand

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8

At_chMar 18, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The very same critics that couldn't figure out why they weren't laughing at Gilliam's film "Zero Theorem" now find themselves guffawing at this "Comedy" about a washed up schizophrenic actor on the brink of murdering his co workers and killing himself.
Where I'm from... Suicide is not funny, nor do you gain the adulation of critics by pointing a loaded gun at co workers and then shooting yourself. This is the true theme of the movie... Which isn't funny at all. It's terrifying, and this why this movie is a slap in the face to even the critics who hail it's achievement because if you understand this film... Everyone's ignorance about it is blatantly obvious. This is a movie about a psycho who is teetering on the edge of murder suicide. This psycho (played by Michael Keaton) is further pushed toward his boiling point by ego driven, narcissistic characters who are too self absorbed to realize how terrifyingly close they come to getting their heads blown off by pushing the buttons of a washed up actor who wants to be serious but isn't taken seriously after playing the role of an action hero 20 years prior. After reaching his boiling point in the theater and nearly executing his co workers with a loaded gun... He shoots himself... Misses... And ends up in the hospital where he is extolled for his magnificent achievement in theater... He jumps from a window... Killing himself and further scars his emotionally disturbed daughter who imagines him flying around which portrays the solidification of her psychosis after years of his psychological abuse. The theme of this movie is buried under the pretentiousness of it. AND THAT IS THE POINT. "The unexpected virtue of ignorance" is what this film represents. At first, I didn't understand what the hubbub was about... I was ignorant. Then I realized that it was MY problem because the only thing that caught my attention (ego) was all the pretentious (ego) stroking going on. I almost missed the point entirely. This isn't a comedy... It's a horror flick. It's a film about ignorance or "Bird brains". The lead character played by Keaton is a psycho! He believes he has super powers. He is schizophrenic. He has conversations with himself. Purely nuts... But on the surface this all seems playfully dramatic to the ignorant ego driven viewer, or critic. The other characters are simply cannon fodder for the lead. It was good. I watched it all the way to the end. Perhaps I have yet to understand the significance of the drums throughout the score however... I felt like the score was lacking somewhat in originality. Overall... It was a good movie. I think most audience members, critics, and industry people will fail to see the real theme here.... As usual.… Expand

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7

Justcool777Mar 26, 2015

'Birdman' or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance-
A Unique layered Storyline following the Character's Life as an undefiningly unkown yet renowned superhero, as a Father, as an Actor, and a Director/Writer who wishes to renew himself into'Birdman' or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance-
A Unique layered Storyline following the Character's Life as an undefiningly unkown yet renowned superhero, as a Father, as an Actor, and a Director/Writer who wishes to renew himself into what he wishes to be.
Birdman composes of great acting and everything what so in it although not a movie that is for everyone.
I would recommend for a one time watch.… Expand

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7

VinceRocks123Apr 10, 2015

A backstage satire of life on broadway and haunting pasts decorated in urbanism, where former celebrities are portrayed as eccentrics who want to see the world as they see, and the people who weigh in against his passion for utter nonsenseA backstage satire of life on broadway and haunting pasts decorated in urbanism, where former celebrities are portrayed as eccentrics who want to see the world as they see, and the people who weigh in against his passion for utter nonsense out of pity Alejandro G Innaritu did a perfect job trying to tell a story of the virtue of the mangled sole searching for a new meaning in life. A modern shakespeare dramedy with a little sentimental thought

Michael Keaton is amazingly alive in a worthy comeback that is one of those transcendental overlooked performances of the decade… Expand

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8

GentM2015Jun 10, 2015

This is certainly not as great as everyone says and it's very overrated but that doesn't mean that it's a bad movie though.This film is unique and sometimes that's just what we need.It shows the world from a different prospective and that isThis is certainly not as great as everyone says and it's very overrated but that doesn't mean that it's a bad movie though.This film is unique and sometimes that's just what we need.It shows the world from a different prospective and that is good.The Directing is phenomenal and even though the movie seems to be very slow paced there is still a lot to like about this film and this kind of film making.Props to the movie for the camera work though.… Expand

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7

Jackson861May 2, 2015

Great plot, great visuals and the fantastic acting make this one of the most interesting films of 2014. It's a wildly fun film to watch and is only made better by the fact that Micheal Keaton played Batman in the late 80s and It'sGreat plot, great visuals and the fantastic acting make this one of the most interesting films of 2014. It's a wildly fun film to watch and is only made better by the fact that Micheal Keaton played Batman in the late 80s and It's underwhelming sequel in the 90s. The interesting camera work that makes this film look like it was all filmed in one shot is a unique idea, however, it seems a bit too gimmicky and even then they cheated by transitioning between days by pointing the camera at the sky.… Expand

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10

AwesomeRaiderMay 13, 2015

Birdman is a good joke about the Superhero movie and actors who live only in a one character.
Its enjoyable and smart in many moments
Great actuations of Keaton ,Norton and Stone. It is not to Taken seriously, if you like the commercialBirdman is a good joke about the Superhero movie and actors who live only in a one character.
Its enjoyable and smart in many moments
Great actuations of Keaton ,Norton and Stone.

It is not to Taken seriously, if you like the commercial films.
Just only Relax!!!

Birdman es una buena burla acerca de las películas de Superheroes y de los actores que solo viven de un papel o personaje
Es disfrutable e inteligente en varios momentos.
Grandes actuaciones de Keaton,Norton y Stone.

No es para tomársela en serio, si te gusta el cine comercial.
Solo relájate!!!!… Expand

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7

ZChongMay 27, 2015

I like this movie, but I will say Whiplash was robbed. Michael Keaton, Ed Norton and Emma Stone were really good in their performances. Lindsey Duncan (despite seeing her in other performances) really broke out. I enjoyed the plot and theI like this movie, but I will say Whiplash was robbed. Michael Keaton, Ed Norton and Emma Stone were really good in their performances. Lindsey Duncan (despite seeing her in other performances) really broke out. I enjoyed the plot and the "confusing" ending. Well done, but not best picture.… Expand

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8

ZetterbergJun 8, 2015

One the best film of the year. The tone of this movie is really amaze. The most impressive things is the making of the film. We have only one stage who continues more than 2 hours and follow differents character. It never stops. ThisOne the best film of the year. The tone of this movie is really amaze. The most impressive things is the making of the film. We have only one stage who continues more than 2 hours and follow differents character. It never stops. This stylistic exercise stays coherent. For me, this is a prowess.

About the script, this film is a critique of the cinema. The blog boster and the supposed true cinema: auteur cinema. In brief, all aspect of the modern cinema are criticized. And it is a successfully controlled.… Expand

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4

SimaoOct 1, 2020

im begging.... no more movies about white rich men on their 50s with mid-life crises.. and especially not with a lame and predictable ending that tries to make up for the boring and mediocre plot.

the cinematography and acting kinda savesim begging.... no more movies about white rich men on their 50s with mid-life crises.. and especially not with a lame and predictable ending that tries to make up for the boring and mediocre plot.

the cinematography and acting kinda saves the movie from being total trash....… Expand

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10

Roger1718Nov 16, 2017

Once again, Alejandro González Iñárritu has proven himself as one of the best film directors working today. Lubezki just as well has done an excellent job. Best movie of the year without a doubt, and one of the best films ever crafted inOnce again, Alejandro González Iñárritu has proven himself as one of the best film directors working today. Lubezki just as well has done an excellent job. Best movie of the year without a doubt, and one of the best films ever crafted in cinema history.… Expand

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10

TrailesqueNov 2, 2017

Now this is a friggan masterpiece imho, and well-deserving of all the accolades it received. Not the least of its charms is the brilliant trickery that presents it as if it were all one continuous shot from beginning to end - that isNow this is a friggan masterpiece imho, and well-deserving of all the accolades it received. Not the least of its charms is the brilliant trickery that presents it as if it were all one continuous shot from beginning to end - that is outrageous! There is a feeling of constant motion and pressure, with some confusion about to break out. Or something else - almost anything else - gritty dialogue, weird actors' humor, moments of sadness and struggle, soaring special effects. It is loony, but it all works and flows together. The performances are excellent - I never much liked Keaton until I saw this, Norton is perfect as an egomaniac star, Zach G. effectively turns it down a notch in a different sort of role for him. Inarittu is a genius - bravo!… Expand

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4

TheFrogNov 20, 2020

What a bummer! I had high expectations for this movie after reading the positive reviews, and found instead a film that bored me to death, without a single character I could relate to, in spite of the very good cast. I had to stop severalWhat a bummer! I had high expectations for this movie after reading the positive reviews, and found instead a film that bored me to death, without a single character I could relate to, in spite of the very good cast. I had to stop several times to check the running length, "are we there yet?" and was happy when it was finally over.
Am I a fan of action movies a la XXX or Rambo, dissing a higher form of art? No. There's an old movie about a similar subject, "In The Bleak Midwinter", and I absolutely loved it. So what's the difference? In the old movie, theater was the meeting point of several misfit characters, each with his or her own problems, and the story was about healing, finding oneself, facing one's fears and making the right choice. It was a nice, naive tale of innocence, to be accepted for what it is and not as a super-accurate representation of the real world.
Enter Birdman: here an aging blockbuster actor attempts his luck at theater. Everything is bombastic and in your face, from his violent outbursts against furniture and vases (using imaginary superpowers) to the excessive characterization of the star actor by Edward Norton, to the trick of introducing a drum-based soundtrack, and then showing actual drummers beating hard. Even an actress I love, Naomi Watts, who delivers as usual, can do little to save this setup.
I think it may be the difference between American and British values: the only measure of art and self-realization here is success, fame, the number of followers on twitter, who gets the front page on the newspaper. The smaller, introspective, more measured performance by Kenneth Branagh's team, for me wins the day by a long shot.… Expand

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7

amheretojudgeJan 16, 2018

how did we end up here?

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) From the goose-fleshing background drummer to the amusing characters wandering on and off the stage flipping like a switch, Birdman is unbeatable on the level ofhow did we end up here?

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

From the goose-fleshing background drummer to the amusing characters wandering on and off the stage flipping like a switch, Birdman is unbeatable on the level of standard of its script.… Expand

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10

AndrewBurgeAug 16, 2018

Alejandro G. Iñárritu's 'Birdman' opens up with a meteor torpedoing over a cloudy sky. The music is a cluttering drum crescendo accompanied by an even more cluttering organ sound wave. It is a monolithic, epic scene. And suddenly... nothing.Alejandro G. Iñárritu's 'Birdman' opens up with a meteor torpedoing over a cloudy sky. The music is a cluttering drum crescendo accompanied by an even more cluttering organ sound wave. It is a monolithic, epic scene. And suddenly... nothing. It shuts down in an instant. Then we are greeted with a Michael Keaton standing in the lotus position, hovering over the ground in the room. He is filmed from the back. There is no sound except a guttural voice reflecting on his bad choices. We learn that this man is Riggan Thomson. A now retired superhero blockbusters film star attempting to recapture himself by adapting Raymond Carver's short story "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love" on Broadway.

There is a reason I described the first scene of the film. Great films create a rhythm from the start. They never break, not even a little bit. In that aspect, from the very first scene, 'Birdman' keeps the momentum all the way to the end. No other film has such an endearing pace, a slippery flow and an absolute visual and technical control over time. There are barely any cuts in 'Birdman'. The film is saturated with art through its technical achievements. The end of a scene is marked with the camera slowly panning away to a corner and moving to another room. But it not only changes the location. It also changes the time. Iñárritu is an undoubted king of polish. He easily stretches time, magically fading between realism and surrealism.

Speaking of which, 'Birdman' offers many moments of subtle visual cues. Whenever Thomson is filmed alone, his demented mind is visually released into reality. He moves objects from a distance and the voice always speaks to him. But this is not only epic and dramatic; somehow its also funny. His superhero persona, Birdman, is an artless construct. He screams at Thomson to get back in his costume. "This is what people want, not this talkative depressive bullsh*t". The everlasting conflict between art and superficial commercialism is ever-present in this film. Criticism is finally given a voice and a visual confrontation with art. She is Tabitha Dickinson (Lindsay Duncan), a theater critic. She is unforgiving, conservative and merciless at Thomson's efforts to "attempt real art".

This theme of relevance for Thomson and the meaning and value of art continues as Iñárritu rolller-coasts us through the deformed minds of Thomson and his acting peers. The one which really stands out the most is Mike Shiner (Edward Norton) who gives a stunning performance as the antagonistic compulsive obsessed actor. He breaks down during a scene because Thomson refused to allow him to drink real gin. He is angry at the fake set. He does not care about anything, always sacrificing everything for the sake of art: "Come on people, don't be so pathetic!" he screams at the revolted audience. "Stop looking at the world through your cellphones [...] have a real experience!" The only touch of normality seems to be Thomson's ex-wife, Sylvia (Amy Ryan) and his producer Jake (Zach Galifianakis).

In the end, 'Birdman' is a unique film. One ambitious and funny but also focused on the nature and purpose of professional criticism, relevance, regret, family, friendship, mental illness even. But what elevates this to masterpiece status is the absolute weaving and artful editing, the encapsulating pace, the insanely genius crafted surrealism and the spot-on comic relief moments of ridiculousness. But then again, who cares what any of us say? "A thing is a thing not what is said of that thing."… Expand

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9

vinicius96Mar 9, 2018

Great movie with a powerful cast! Emma Stone should have won the Oscar by the way...

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

Wavy_YeezyMay 27, 2019

Good movie, but not as good as people say. It's confusing, weird, but it seems to work.

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8

o_retyJun 17, 2019

It's an acting tour de force, for sure, and I liked the overall crazed out quirkiness, but was left with a feeling it didn't really wanted the deep, meaningful undertones to rise up to the surface. At the end you find yourself dumbfoundedIt's an acting tour de force, for sure, and I liked the overall crazed out quirkiness, but was left with a feeling it didn't really wanted the deep, meaningful undertones to rise up to the surface. At the end you find yourself dumbfounded with the constant barrage of high quality style and rather robbed of never to be found substance… Expand

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8

ViewJarDec 19, 2019

I admit, I was pretty skeptic at first, due to the fact, that the movie starts pretty hectic and the constant drum-music doesn't seem to fit that well. This changes with the movie progressing. I also thought, that the story, which endedI admit, I was pretty skeptic at first, due to the fact, that the movie starts pretty hectic and the constant drum-music doesn't seem to fit that well. This changes with the movie progressing. I also thought, that the story, which ended pretty interesting, would be boring.
Michael Keaton and Edward Norton are both doing a very good job. The movie manages to make me smile or laugh at some and shake my head at other points.
All together i did like the movie despite or maybe especially because of the fact, that a lot of questions remain unanswered.… Expand

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9

Movie_FreakSep 21, 2020

Birdman is an excellently-made comedy-drama with really sound technical aspects like that unique and interesting continuous cinematography, and sleek and quick editing. It's also a great film in terms of quality performances and quick andBirdman is an excellently-made comedy-drama with really sound technical aspects like that unique and interesting continuous cinematography, and sleek and quick editing. It's also a great film in terms of quality performances and quick and sharp writing. Michael Keaton and Edward Norton boss every scene they're in and deservedly got a lot of hype for the oscars. Emma Stone also portrays her character brilliantly but I actually think Naomi Watts is the total scene-stealer in this movie and should have also got praise. The camerawork in this film is immersive and the story hooks you from the first minute. The writing really balances out the dark comedic aspects of the film well and make the viewers develop strong feeling for the characters. While a few moments in the film felt unnecessary and made me bored and I have to say I don't know what the hell the ending was about, Birdman is a very solid film and a superb best picture winner.… Expand

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10

GralhaDec 15, 2020

O melhor filme que já vi na vida. Muita técnica, roteiro e seleção de atores excelente! A fotografia é fantástica e o plano-sequência utilizado é perfeito.

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9

ConorIrwin001Aug 9, 2015

Truly a brilliant film. Described and almost tainted with being an 'a film for actors and filmmakers', such a label fails to do its justice in its thorough and imaginative exploration of the themes of hopes, dreams, success and integrity. AnTruly a brilliant film. Described and almost tainted with being an 'a film for actors and filmmakers', such a label fails to do its justice in its thorough and imaginative exploration of the themes of hopes, dreams, success and integrity. An inherently relatable film, presented through such an interesting medium with superb comic and dramatic acting. Keaton is genuinely superb.… Expand