‘Birdman’ wins Best Picture, Alejandro Inarritu takes Best Director too

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Birdman nabbed the Best Picture Oscar tonight much to my delight. I loved the movie but understood the criticisms of its overrated nature. Most of the films in this category were extra Oscar-y this year. Birdman was no different in that respect. All of the unending shots and magical realism in this movie are an acquired taste. I also think people who enjoyed the movie appreciated how it poked fun at the superhero movie trend. Will we see Robert Downey Jr. aiming to make a big comeback on Broadway one day?

Director Alejandro Inarritu fluidly constructed a film meant to depict a group of broken characters. The contrast startled, and his single-take approach was risky. Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, and the other actors all referenced the stressful nature of this shooting method. This necessary illusion created a dream-like aura and fed the fragility of Riggan Thomson’s need for validation. The end result was a blisteringly satiric and uncomfortable work full of blemishes and a lack of dignity. I found all of it beautiful. The long shots were artsy and pretentious, but this movie was about a tortured actor. We all know actors are some of the most pretentious people. So Inarritu’s method worked. If the movie was filmed in a traditional way, the effect wouldn’t have been the same.

In turn, the quality of the actors involved prevented Birdman from playing like a gimmick. Inarritu coaxed his cast to give a series of furious performances, the best they’ve ever given. The craftsmanship of the entire production is evident. During his speech, Inarritu thanked Tess Gallagher, the widow of Raymond Carver, for letting him use a Carver short story as a framing device. Keaton stepped up with a quick, “This has been a tremendous experience. This guy is as bold as bold can be … look, I’m just glad to be here.”

Alejandro Inarritu also took Best Director. He began his speech with “Tonight I am wearing the real Michael Keaton tighty whiteys. They are tight, smell like balls, but it worked. Thank you, Mikey.”” Inarritu acknowledged the mastery of his fellow nominees and seemed surprised to win. All those long shots paid off. Congrats to Alejandro and the cast and crew of Birdman!

Michael Keaton