An existential theme I saw was the quest to feel that one is existing and is truly a part of this world. The plays manner of repeating the line “I don’t exist” emphasized the struggle to find the feeling of belonging. Sam’s speech also raised the source of human angst and restlessness when she spoke about every person fighting everyday to feel relevant. No one wants to feel forgotten or ignored, having nothing to contribute. She pointed out to Riggan that he was afraid that he no longer mattered and that the play was his way of shining and crying out that yes he was still important. This resonated with me because it made me realize that it’s true. When people validate you, it makes you feel that whatever you are aiming towards at that point in your life, is worth it. Your fight and persistence to achieve want you want has come to it’s fruition and it reassures you that you should keep going. Throughout the movie the main character could be said to be searching for his authentic self while still remaining in the grasp of his alter ego, Birdman. He is pushed to the edge in wanting to discover himself, so much so that he ends up shooting his nose in an effort to finally be free. I interpreted the ending to possibly be a symbol of his release or a melding of his inner Birdman and himself. Maybe they finally became one and there is no longer the trouble of feeling that one is overpowering the other. I would recommend this movie to those who want to delve into deep topics and have content to analyze over. It’s a movie meant to be seen more than once, for I feel each time will offer new bits of information and insight.
To be a philosopher is not merely to have subtle thoughts, nor even to found a school…it is to solve some of the problems of life, not only theoretically, but practically. – Henry David Thoreau
I like your take on the movie because it opens up an applicable topic that can be related to reality. I think that most if not all people are searching for a reason for why they are on this earth, or as you say finding belonging. Dina...once again your depth in never ending.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your resonance on Sam's statement and I think that is true for me as well. But on the ending, I think the silence of the Birdman means that Riggan's true self has become so strong that this former self of him cannot no longer try to persuade him in anyway.
ReplyDeleteI like you idea of "melting of his inner Birdman and himself". I was wondering if Riggan truly became authentic at the end. Your explanation gives me some ideas.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about the open ended and also I agree with you that this movie should be watched for several times because we might get different perspective.
ReplyDeleteI also focused on Sam's speech, which i believe was such a powerful scene in this movie. However I think that it is important to try to move away from these needs for praises and acceptance which will then lead to a stronger sense of our own authenticity.
ReplyDeleteI was intrigued by your thoughts about how we all seek validation in some ways, but by being validated we may inadvertently stop pursuing authenticity with the equally strong desire to fit in. Insightful interpretation.
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