Shouting Into The Void: Birdman (or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

I have never found myself a huge fan of the work of Alejandro González Iñárritu (I am not sure why, but he's a director that has already left me rather cold) but I have been looking forward to Birdman for a while. In many, many ways I was not disappointed. A full review shall be forthcoming when the film is released in Europe in January. But here are some initial thoughts.

Birdman (or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (Dir. Alejandro González Iñárritu, USA , 2014)


*The whole 'done in one take' thing in the film works and doesn't come across as a gimmick (though it certainly draws attention to itself).
*I wouldn't join all the 'Keaton proves himself a brilliant actor' accolades. Because he's a always been a brilliant actor and turns in a great performance here.
*Of course the while Keaton played Batman thing looms large. But Norton has form - with The Hulk - as does Emma Stone (Spider-Man). I don't see the film as an indictment of the Hollywood system. More of an indictment of those who think they are above it,.
*Lots of 'speeches'. Stone's one to her Dad about relevance and Riggan's one to the critic are among the highlights
*Galifianakis plays it straight which I think adds to the whole 'playing against type' nature of the film
*It is a satire but not a biting one. More of a world weary sigh
*I am still not sure of the reason for the lesbian kiss
*Norton's story seems to stop pretty suddenly
*It's a film of theatre and theatricailty. It's a unique experience
*Some much better than me pointed out that each character enters by one door in their dressing room and leaves by another. Is this a 'thing' in the theatre or an extension of the theatrical nature?
*Loved the music with the idea of 'walking to your own theme tune'
*It's dark and dour yet there's a spark behind it as well