Birdman (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
The search for meaning is always the most poetic.
Presentation:
Emmanuel Lubezki's unique cinematography style is implemented in a well paced documentary-ish drama following the life of wash up movie star Michael Keaton. Edward Norton also steals the show and the whole cast is talented. The movie looks beautiful with Arri and use of signature wide angle lenses. The most interesting component is that the film looks like one giant take, transitions linking together the cuts to allow complete immersion and continuity, surely influencing 1917. The use of smooth handheld shots give a feeling of searching for truth. With the majority taking place in a theatre, New York actually feels lively and not like a slab of concrete. It’s actually pretty awesome that they filmed some Times Square scenes for real to save money so bystander reactions are genuine.
Conclusion:
An interesting utilization of Lubezki's style which perfectly complement the protagonist's search for truth. It's a little artsy but it gives you a satisfying reward as well as some good laughs on the way. The film feels personal and introspective and you have really some cool supernatural/metaphorical mechanics to supplement the story. I think it does take itself seriously, but it pulls it off.
Recommendations
The collapse of western civilization starts with a face mask.