Movie: Birdman

Birdman or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance:  a comedy, sort of.  I decided to see this film in violation of one of my self-imposed rules: if the preview leaves you uninterested, don’t spend money to see more of the same.  This film, however, is not more of the same.  In fact, I’m wondering how many Oscars nominations Birdman will receive, including a best actor nod to Michael Keaton for his portrayal of Birdman, aka Riggan.  So who is Birdman?  - -  an invented movie character who made 3 films, the last one at least 20 years in the past.  Riggan, in an attempt to show the world that he is a real actor,  has written a play based upon the Raymond Carver story “What We Talk about When We Talk About Love.”  The film opens with the play’s New York preview to occur in just a few hours.  The film moves between getting the play ready for opening night and Riggan’s fantasies about being Birdman.  Another self-imposed rule blown:  if you’re really aware of the music but are not watching a musical, there is a problem.  I became extremely aware of the music and I loved it.  Antonio Sanchez should receive an Oscar nomination for best original score.  Oscar nominations could also include Edward Norton as the actor with the oversized ego and, perhaps, Zach Galifianakis as Riggan’s lawyer and the play’s producer.  Galifianakis has no comedy lines, which is a pleasant surprise.  There is also Emma Stone’s supporting role as Sam, Riggan’s daughter, who initially comes across as a stoner but is much more.  There are also fine performances by Naomi Watts and Amy Ryan.   The original script is by the director, Alejandro G. Inarritu, along with Nicolas Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris Jr. and Amando Bo.   An excellent cast working with a very imaginative director and a creative script produces what is definitely a picture to be both seen and heard.  The 119 minute film is not predictable.  The presentation includes showing a specific scene from the play many times but each time there are distinct  differences.   Much of this movie takes place at the St. James Theatre in Times Square.  The camerawork is outstanding and another probable Oscar nomination.   The NY Times theater critic, played by Lindsay Duncan, also offers an interesting rip on critics.  I was entertained from the beginning to the end.  I highly recommend this movie.