How do you measure Success? By a few films, one special act, one passionate speech, or one good deed? Is achieving a milestone the correct yardstick to measure success? Apparently, not. Success is not a landmark, rather it is a journey to better yourself every day. Each notable milestone is the precursor for a new journey. Because satisfaction is the biggest hurdle in achieving success in real life, and there is no better example than Michael Keaton.
The buzz around the movie
In 2014, global audiences were in for a pleasant shock. The dark comedy-drama film ‘Birdman’ captured the attention of Hollywood watchers. The film stars Michael Keaton as Riggan Thomson who is suffering from an existential crisis. In his vivid imagination, he possesses special powers through which he can do telekinesis, levitation and hear the voice of his alter ego.
Prominent actors like Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton, Andrea Riseborough, Amy Ryan, Emma Stone and Naomi Watts also graced the screen. The movie has done Poetic justice. On several occasions, the film deliberately made bold references to the title ‘Birdman’. Every star has marvellously portrayed depth and different shades in their character and gave the best acting performance of their life.
The cinematic masterpiece was widely applauded both by critics and global audiences. Evidently, it was made with a budget of $16.5 million and went on to do a global business of around $103 million.
Later, this Hollywood movie went on to win several Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography and a host of other awards.
The Plot
The film revolves around a wasted Hollywood actor Riggan Thomson. He was frustrated for being type-cast in a specific genre and thus called it a quit from the superhero franchise “Birdman”. He wanted to experiment with his craft and do justice with his acting skills. But all his experiments were vehemently rejected by the audience. To redeem himself and get recognition, he decided to write, direct and act in a play.
The play was to be the Broadway adaptation of Raymond Carver’s short story. It was titled “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love.” He deliberately chose Raymond Carver’s story as he shared memories with the great man.
The opening shot of the movie starts by showing Riggan in his dressing room with the songs of birdman playing in the background. The song virtually taunts and mocks him for turning down Birdman. All the scenes in the movie Birdman are directed in a way that gives a perception that the whole movie is shot in one-take.
Going further, the movie showcases the actors, their preparations, personal chemistry and their life struggles. For example, the movie shows the estranged relationship between Riggan Thomson and his daughter Sam and how they try to iron out their issues. It also demonstrates the stark contrast between the two characters and the self-contradictory media coverage around them.
The encoded message
Riggan’s alter ego repeatedly tries to make a point that he has nothing other than the ‘Birdman’ identity. The voice in his head wants him to return to Hollywood and act in the Birdman franchise once again.
But, Riggan doesn’t want to just lurk on his past success. He still wants to struggle against all odds to achieve more and does justice with his acting talent. Additionally, he gives space to talented actor Mike, even going to the extent to pay for his hefty fees for the play. But alas, even after all of this, he had to face the wrath and mockery of the media, film critics, his friends and family for his acting passion.
Contrary to that, Mike is lauded by everyone even after the fact that he breaches public decency on several occasions all in the garb of method acting. Furthermore, to remain the darling of the media, he steals the story of Riggan which he narrated to him to highlight the importance of the play for him.
The film Birdman also makes scathing observations about film critics who make biased opinions about films and play irrespective of the hard work, talent and content of the movie or play.
The perfect masterpiece
With this movie, Michael Keaton has shown the real power of cinema. He has shown the mirror to society. He has tried to awaken the global audiences about the mistakes they have been ignorantly making.
Because whatever I just narrated about the movie was not fiction but a major portion of it was based on reality. It was similar to the real-life struggles of none other than Batman-famed Michael Keaton. He was type-cast in Batman roles just because he left an indelible mark with his portrayal as Batman. It is a grave injustice to search for Michael Keaton’s ‘Batmanish’ portrayal in a totally different script made in a totally different context.
All that Keaton wanted was to do better acting than the previous version of himself. He wanted to push himself further and outclass the performance he gave in Batman. Keaton wanted to do better than his best, to push his limits and not be satisfied with his already done and dusted success and great work in Batman.
Furthermore, this story is not just about Michael Keaton, it is about a host of other artists who had to face cinematic oblivion after being type-cast in a certain genre. Let’s have a short test. Do you like the acclaimed Hollywood actor Jim Carrey? How do you remember him? Have the audiences not type-cast him in the comedy genre?
My point is, this movie is not about one Michael Keaton or Jim Carrey, rather the movie makes a point in favour of artists, art and in a way has become a masterpiece in itself. It is one of the greatest works of ART and is a MUST WATCH film.
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