He is still the birdman

     The film Birdman tells a story of a former cinema Riggan Thomson, who hopes to get rid of the image of “birdman” that people often defined him. Birdman was filmed to look like one continuous shot, which really helps to bring audience to be closer to the story. Besides that, the drumbeat that constantly appears in the film not only helps emphasizing the psychological activities of the characters, but it also creates a sense that the movie is actually a live performance.

     The idea of boundary is vague in this film. Fantasy and reality, acting and being oneself, these ideas are all intertwined together without an absolute explanation. In the film, Riggan and Mike have totally different views on acting. I personally think acting is a tool for Riggan to be famous and successful, Mike Shiner is the one who truly live for the show. While Riggan is struggling for popularity and prestige, Mike fully engaged in the play without any concerns. Although Mike is selfish and self-centered, on the other hand, his personality somehow helps him as being an excellent actor. On the stage, Mike does not follow the transcript completely; instead, he expresses his desire and lust while acting. Mike embarrasses Leslie in the preview by making an advance to be in the act of sex with Leslie, He does not care about if people like him or not, I guess that is why his acting is so well reviewed. Different from Mike, Although Riggan has put everything on his play; ironically, all he wants is prestige and acceptance. Therefore, he is still that fading birdman who will be forgotten by the audience.