‘Birdman’ (2014) Analysed:

I just watched ‘Birdman’ and after a few moments of sitting back and reflecting… I finally understand why it was nominated for so many things and why the film is so reflective of our current generation.

The camera work:

Personally, the camera work in ‘Birdman’ isn’t just incredible in a technical sense but extremely symbolic. Choosing to have most of the film appear as one long take was no mistake, and I believe Iñárritu chose this technique to reflect on the notion that life is never ending. It is a constant battle. Real life never stops. Never ever. And ‘Birdman’ portrays this not only through the story, but through the camera techniques. I felt very connected to Thomson as we watch life just brutally attack him and he just never catches a break. This approach is realistic and honest.

Blockbusters films are leaving no room for independent films to shine:

One scene that really reflected this is when Thomson was walking through the streets and there were explosions, superheroes and helicopters all buzzing around while Birdman is over his shoulder taunting him. All mainstream movie-goers want is a huge blockbuster that isn’t too hard to follow, and ‘Birdman’ crushes this concept. It does this by making our protagonist be someone who has had blockbuster films ruin his life. Thomson wants to re-start career through this play he is creating… but it is Birdman and the entire concept of “blockbusters” that constantly taunt him and are trying to lure him back into a life of “easy money,” because as well know, blockbusters are guaranteed to make a huge profit and be a hit at box offices. Where as films that discuss an interesting story, or films that are a sometimes the tiniest bit unique, absolutely flop at the box office. Film nerds love them, and they are most of the time brilliant, but it is the competition with blockbusters that is the reason they are never successful, and ‘Birdman’ tries to make this notion more aware.

The past haunting your life:

Thomsons’ past of this major role he played is quite literally following him through-out the entirety of the film. We quite often see Birdmans figure lurking over his shoulder and hear his voice and taunting Thomson. As individuals, we all can’t help but let the past effect us and haunt us. But the fact that Thomson used to play such a successful role in such a successful blockbuster, he can’t help but think that he is never going to achieve greater than that. Birdman literally represents his doubts and fears of trying something new as he tries desperately to get this play to work and be a success. Yet it is just falling apart around him. We can all relate to this concept, and I believe through this we can really connect with Thomson and all these struggles we watch him deal with.

‘Birdman’ is filled with symbolism, metaphors, relatable struggles and constant digs at the film industry. It is such an important film, and one that any film lover will go back and re-watch, and adore more and more every time.