How does a key figure, or in this case superhero from the 90s, survive once his level of popularity dies down? Well you can find that out when you get the chance to see Birdman (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) by Alejandro G Iñárritu.
The film stars renowned actor Michael Keaton who may best be known as the caped crusader from the original Batman back in the 80s. This time around, he plays Riggan Thomson – a washed up movie star who has since plummeted from his Birdman years.
And while many perceive this film as another superhero flick, well, it isn't. Rather the film is about a man's struggles and intent to do multiple things at once – writing, acting and directing while also starring in a Broadway adaptation of Raymond Carver's What We Talk About When We Talk About Love.
Now the reason for the Birdman title is that Riggan Thompson (Michael Keaton) is somehow bothered by an alter-ego that of which is Birdman. In short, Riggan is still somehow haunted by Birdman through his subconscious state. The hallucinations that Thompson encounters are seen as a result of stress of having to deal with his new tenure which includes having to deal with high maintenance people for the play.
As it stands, this film's working title could throw some people off. Rather than an action-adventure film, this is more of a drama-comedy from Iñárritu. Hence, the film may not necessarily be appreciated by everybody, particularly the younger viewers who may have been expecting an action-packed movie.
Rather, at state is an arresting tale of love and art during the modern time of technology where viral videos are in play. The casting of Keaton may have recalled his caped crusader showcases of yesteryears but sadly that will not happen in this movie.
