If you scoffed at the pretentiousness of the title, perhaps dont see the movie, but if you were intrigued by it – you will be entranced by the magic of Alejandro Inarritu’s film-making…..

Life is weird. It’s frequently disturbing and often downright depressing. But there are moments when human beings attempt to do something beyond our selves in an effort for redemption. And whether we succeed or not, it’s the undertaking that forgives us. This philosophy is at the core of Birdman…. Michael Keaton plays Riggan Thomson, who once ruled Hollywood as the star of a superhero franchise – he was the titular Birdman – but whose career crumbled when he balked at making a third sequel. So now here’s a washed-up action hero seeking to validate himself as an artist by staging a Broadway play based on the work of Raymond Carver.

Technically the film is superb. On screen we’re watching what appears to be a continuous take that snakes through the narrow backstage spaces, massive auditoriums, rooms, Times Square, a bar and more without stopping…. In many instances you will wonder where the cameraman would have been to take the shot…
There’s no shielding yourself from the percussive score, with its shattered beats and crescendoing chaos enhancing the contagion of Riggan’s mental state.

Someone or many on the technical side should start preparing their acceptance speeches… Antonio Sanchez – music, Emmanuel Luzbeki – cinematography, Inarritu – direction.. Also the ensemble cast works. So while it won’t win Best Movie since its not great “great” there is no denying that the movie is a work of art.. Art needs to be appreciated since the Earth without art is just Eh…

On the flip side this movie is definitely not for everybody, only for a niche demographic.

Circling back to the beginning – if the title and the concept appeals to you then only go for it – keeping in mind that art has a relatively lower entertainment factor than some trash…

In conclusion if a ticket at the multiplex costs Rs. 300 this movie is worth Rs. 300 for those who will see it with the right mindset… Like a majority of critics have written – “Birdman is a work of great ambition, a unique and beautifully executed vision that celebrates the creative soul.”

SAUMIL BHANSHALI