Zadaris2021

Well worth the array of Academy Awards that it won, and Keaton shoulda' gotten the award. I don't wanna' be that guy right now - but we all know that ratings are what matters and so they vote for the younger, fresher, hip guy, But, that's not my point, so back to the movie. As you put the disc in and sit down, you hear his inner dialogue and see Riggan floating in the air. Wait? Is that what kind of movie this is gonna' be? No way I thought - AH! yes, it's an illusion, it's what he's thinking. His mind plays tricks on him - because he was Birdman and he was superior, "we grossed billions!" Each scene is stronger than the one before and keeps hitting you in the face until you realize that this film is what the real world is like. This film captures human emotion and desire so insanely perfectly that I couldn't stop watching it. The black comedy-ness similar to movies like Wolf of Wall Street or Big Lebowski - that kind of humor that is raw and, again, hits you in the face and makes you think "what the **** Yeah, well that's Birdman. This is a classic film and portrays the world of theater very realistically. The movie really strengthens after Mike Shiner (Edward Norton) makes his entrance and in his first scene he pulls the guts out of Riggan, throws them on the floor and says 'this is acting, that right there is realism.' He doesn't actually say that, but you get the point. They're naturally adversaries, but Shiner brings a reality to Riggan's play that he needed to succeed, because after all - that's what Riggan wants right? Success...even though he was Birdman and "grossed billions" he still feels like he has more to prove. Maybe it's that he is a real actor - he can do Broadway, write and star in his own adaptation! Each characters performances were stellar, garnering 3 oscar nominations from the ensemble cast. Hell, even Galifianakis kills it in this film (he always kills it, though). I look forward to any other film from this director and writing group. Birdman, 10/10, watch it. And watch it again, if you can, because you'll catch things more and more as you go. For example - in the mirror at the beginning of the film is a note that reads "a thing is just a thing, not what is said of that thing." I saw that on my 3rd go through, and it's stuck to my brain. It's some kind of simplistic philosophy that this movie conveys and that quote kinda' packs it all into one sentence for ya.' Enjoy!

Much like any Paul Thomas Anderson film, this will grow on you. I've come to trust this director after having seen The Master and There Will Be Blood, (Punch-Drunk Love too). If he makes the film then I know there's something worth investigating here. I took my time with this film and watched it multiple times - letting it play even while I fall asleep sometimes. The comedy is rather strong and Brolin and Phoenix give stellar portrayals of their respective archetype. Brolin (brawny cop with a soft side, perhaps) gives off this hilarious anger that he lets loose occasionally, and Phoenix (peace and love private investigator) is very easy-going while peering at the information he gathers through a cloud of marijuana smoke. The one thing that will make his character tick though - Shasta Fay. This film, like anything PTA, must be watched more than once.

Superb acting is in this film - for viewers who love to see actors tear themselves apart with a role, here it is. Phoenix and Hoffman are at the pinnacle of their respective abilities. Phoenix, playing Freddie Quell draws you in the minute you see his creased up face answering questions from a psychological evaluation post WWII. Hoffman, the deranged but maybe even genius Lancaster Dodd does exactly what he always does - makes you fall dearly in love for twisted and maniacal men. And to give due credit to Paul Thomas Anderson, a director who literally can't have a bad idea; this is one of my favorite directors and this movie is what sparked my interest even more than it ever was in method-acting, the Daniel Day-Lewis-esque idea. With both Philip and Joaquin getting an Academy Award nomination, Amy Adams must also receive due credit and recognition for playing the far-seeing Peggy, whose eye's seem to be peering through people rather than at them. She received a nomination as well. I love this film and these actors. Watch it!