Birdman is a black comedy movie released in 2014, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu. The movie follows the story of Riggan Thomson, a senior actor who has already passed his prime. Once a famous movie star, Riggan now struggles with his career as an actor, director, and writer. The movie explores the life and career of a senior actor and the challenges they face in staying relevant in a highly competitive industry.
The Storyline
The movie takes place in New York City, where Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) prepares for his comeback in the entertainment industry by adapting and directing a play based on Raymond Carver’s short story. However, Riggan is also haunted by his past as an actor in a superhero film called Birdman, where he played the lead role of a man with bird-like powers. He constantly hears the voice of Birdman urging him to make a comeback as a superhero and ignore his current pursuits.
The play’s production becomes more complicated as Riggan’s ego clashes with his co-stars and crew, and a vicious critic threatens to destroy his production. Riggan’s daughter, Sam (Emma Stone), who is also his assistant, has a drug addiction, and Riggan’s girlfriend, Laura (Andrea Riseborough), complicates the matter by announcing that she’s pregnant.
The Satirical Elements
Birdman is known for its satirical elements that poke fun at the superhero genre and the entertainment industry in general. The movie goes beyond the usual superhero tropes and explores deeper themes about the nature of art and fame.
Riggan’s alter-ego, Birdman, represents his former self as a Hollywood actor, where he was at the top of his game. Birdman himself is a satirical parody of superheroes and their never-ending sequels. The movie satirizes not only superhero movies but also the critics and audiences that consume them.
The movie also explores the notion of art versus commerce. Riggan’s play is an adaptation of Raymond Carver’s short story, and he insists on staying true to the source material, which conflicts with the opinions of his co-stars and the producers, who are trying to make the play more commercial.
Conclusion:
Birdman is a thought-provoking movie that explores the themes of identity, fame, and artistic integrity. The movie is a unique take on the superhero genre and is a satire of the entertainment industry as a whole. Michael Keaton delivers a remarkable performance as Riggan Thomson, and the supporting cast is equally impressive. The movie’s impeccable writing and direction were recognized by the Academy Awards, where it won four Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Cinematography. Overall, Birdman is a must-see movie for anyone interested in the world of entertainment and the challenges that senior actors face in maintaining their relevance in Hollywood.
