The film Birdman is about an actor trying to let go of his past glory as the action hero “Birdman” and reconnect with his family and his true self. Existential themes in Birdman include questioning the meaning of life,(after Birdman what does he do with his life), the absurd,("Birdman" as a figment of his imagination), alienation,(feeling disconnected from his family), and suicide. These themes play out in Riggan’s day to day life and in the trips of imagination he goes on.
Certain characters that really resonated where not the main characters but the “extras” who seemed to mimic Riggan’s thoughts in real time. The homeless man giving the Shakespearian speech, the drummer in the practice room which we finally saw at the end who always provided the ominous music when something dramatic was going on. Also, the not so minor character of Birdman in the suit, who provided an alternate inner dialogue to the main character.
One more thing that is interesting to note was the use of leitmotifs. The drumming was used to indicate the delusional or confused mindset of Riggan, while the soaring orchestral theme was used to signify his mental return to the glory of Birdman.
Another aspect of the movie that was very interesting was the filming style, meandering down dark hallways so that we couldn't see exactly where the character was going, provided a more intimate and discombobulating feel to the film. Not providing the viewer with the “all-knowing” perspective that most films do, I think it made it more powerful as a whole.
I think that the film touches on the important point of an inner voice that is very critical getting louder and louder until it consumes you, and overcoming it.
I would recommend the film very highly because whatever lens you are watching it through, philosophical, or none at all, I think you can gather a meaningful takeaway.
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