Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, Birdman is a brutally ironic, painfully witty take on the life of a Hollywood movie celebrity turned Broadway actor.  Michael Keaton, former star of the Batman movies, plays Riggan Thomson, the iconic superhero “Birdman” of a blockbuster film series.  He aims to regain his credibility as an actor while writing, directing and starring in a Broadway play with three other actors.  Keaton’s performance is riveting and passionate, revealing Thomson’s torn feelings about who he is as an actor, person and father.  Emma Stone plays his daughter, Sam, a drug addict out of rehab who is struggling with her relationship with her father and personal view of the world.

The comic relief of Zach Galifianakis as the play’s producer perfectly balances the otherwise serious situation.  Edward Norton plays Mike Shiner, the bodacious actor who wrecks turmoil on the previews leading up to the opening night of the Broadway production.  Other fantastic performances are delivered by Andrea Riseborough and Naomi Watts.

Birdman is artistically done with its use of stage and camera technique.  Most of the movie is confined to the backstage of the theater and cameras often follow the actors as though the audience is looking over their shoulder.  This creates a personal effect, making it so that they are truly invested and involved in the plot.  Fantasy elements are involved, but it is not always clear what is real and what is not, forcing the audience to think for themselves and interpret the story as they see fit.  The movie as a whole raises questions about how we see ourselves and our place in the world.

I appreciated Birdman for its blend of comedy, drama and blunt truth.  Though elusive at times, the story is artfully arranged and allows the actors to shine in their roles.  The satirical interpretation of life on Broadway pondered issues of pressure, esteem and self-worth.  I would recommend Birdman to anyone willing to contribute a bit of thought and emotion into a movie that is definitely worth the watch.