Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) used to be a blockbuster superstar. But after he stopped playing the role of Birdman, a cinematic superhero passionately adored by fans coming from all around the world, Riggan, who is afraid of being forgotten, decides to make his own Broadway play. By taking this new path, Riggan wants to prove to the public and especially to himself, that he still exists. Birdman tells the story of a man who fights against his oppressive and destructive ego constantly pushing him to be under the spotlight.
Birdman, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, is a splendid and superb film which shows those who experienced fame seriously struggling to leave their notoriety behind. Riggan is unable to live in anonymity. He needs the recognition of the public to feel alive. The only idea of a simple life away from the stage is impossible for him. He thinks that the only purpose of life consists in being known. However, as his daughter, Sam (Emma Stone) perfectly explains, this quest for celebrity is useless because at the end, the world forgets you. The most important is to be remembered by your relatives and friends. The film glorifies the simple but beautiful idea that human beings are not important in the universe. As everything else, we are created to disappear and be forgotten. By conveying this message, Birdman promotes humbleness, which seems more than crucial today as we live in a society where people are increasingly pushed to attract media and public attention, by all means, even the dumbest ones, to exist in society. This film encourages people to think about what should be important in life. Whereas Riggan dedicates his existence to stay under the spotlight, it is pretty clear that such devotion is far from leading to happiness. This path only brings frustration and misery.
Also, Birdman throws light on the cultural superiority of theatre over cinema. This point is particularly illustrated in the conversation between Riggan and Tabitha Dickinson (Lindsay Duncan), reviewer for The New York Times. Indeed, Tabitha, who sees theatre as a prestigious and noble form of art, expresses her doubts, and even her contempt, concerning Riggan’s ambitions on Broadway. As for the critic, the colonisation of theatrical stages by those working in the film industry corrupts the very artistic essence of theatre. Even if the film tends to take its distance from this traditional view on arts, it nevertheless can be considered as an ode to theatrical plays and performances. This tribute can especially be seen through the use of minimal and closed locations. The majority of the action takes place on the stage or behind it.
In brief, Birdman, led by a surprisingly amazing Michael Keaton, is an exquisite cinematic creation which celebrates humility whilst taking a critical and original look at the irrational and pathetic quest of every human being in our society for recognition and fame.
Not just a film 