Posted on 03/22/2015 11:44:43 AM PDT by fatnotlazy
Yesterday, I broke my long-standing streak of not having seen an Academy Award winning/nominated movie in several years. A friend talked me into seeing "Birdman," the film starring Michael Keaton.
It was perhaps the most excruciating 2 or so hours of my life. Much of the time I couldn't follow what was going on. The basic plot is about a one-time super hero actor now working on a Broadway play. Half the time I didn't know what was the play and what was "reality."
Then there were the F bombs. Now I'm not a prude and can tolerate foul language to some extent, but really, does the F word have to appear in every sentense of dialogue?
My friend said that "Birdman" was an art film. I guess that means a film about gibberish. I'm old fashioned. I like my films to have believable, coherent dialogue, an understandable plot and characters I can care abljt. This movie had none of the above.
I’d mostly agree, but the sequence where Keaton flies is sublime and almost saves the picture.
I appreciate the warning.
I can tell you that what you’re describing reminds me of “Foxcatcher”, another critically praised movie that I found to be utter crap.
Thanks for the heads up, I was thinking about putting it into my Netflix queue.
I never got to see that part of Birdman, having walked (rushed) out after the first hour. I did not like it at all. Every scene felt as though it were the very first scene of the movie. I’ve not experienced that from any other film or director.
I’m sure the director had his reasons for the endless pastiche of jagged scenes and jangled dialog. I bonded with no one in the film, not the main character, and certainly not his daughter. Everyone was equally unpleasant, exposing their own brands of personal pain. This was a film many actors praised, because it bespoke of the inner panic that wraps around the thrill of getting an acting job. A big No Thank You from me.
I quit after about twenty minutes. Totally annoying.
The art part of the movie is that it was shot as if it were one long scene. That, as a technical feat, was pretty impressive.
The acting was good. I just thought the story was a little weak.
Although I am thrilled to see Keaton back. I always liked him in his roles.
It truly is one of those movies you think of as cool...or you cannot wait to get up and leave.
I did not have the same issues as you with the movie, I just thought it was bad. The ending was stupid and intended to make you think: what if? It came close all I could think was: WTH??
As to the flying part, I thought that was going to be the end with Keaton face down on Broadway; that would have been better.
We watched it via Redbox, at $2 .18 I felt I paid too much.
Agreed. Stupid movie.
“Almost” is the operative word. :)
I think it started with “The Artist” a few years ago, it seems like the Academy now likes the quirky films that are unconventional.
Basically, you have to have seen the series to enjoy the movie. I think it’s based on the cartoon.
This confirms my decision to not see the film.
Yeah usually when I see an actor say “this is a cumulation of my lifes work” it means it’s gonna suck.
They call rap art too.
Agree wholeheartedly. Complete waste of time and money.
Further proof as if any more is needed, that the Academy is worthless.
There are much better movies about aging people in physical and mental decline. St. Vincent that came out at about the same time is an example.
I think it won the Oscar because it’s about actors acting ,so only actors would like this pile of Bird Guano
I always liked Michael Keaton too. I’m also partial because he’s a native of western Pennsylvania as I am. I just hope he finds a much better film to play in next time.
And I would have walked out except my friend was enjoying the movie, she was occupying the end seat and she was my ride home. LOL
I had no idea. Thanks for the warning. I was considering getting it because it had won the awards. I guess I’ll just wait for Sniper to come out.
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