And the Best Picture goes to....

“Birdman” may have garnered critical acclaim and multiple awards, but for me, it left much to be desired. Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, this film, which aims to blend reality with the surreal, often left me rather disappointed.  After the first 45 minutes, I was still struggling to grasp the plot, which made the experience somewhat frustrating. However, the characters did manage to hold my attention, especially Michael Keaton’s portrayal of a man seeking a final shot at professional redemption.

The story revolves around Riggan Thomson, played by Keaton, a washed-up actor known for his role as a superhero trying to reclaim his fame by staging a serious Broadway play. Keaton’s performance is commendable, and he delivers some standout moments.  However, throughout the film, I was never able to figure out if he truly possessed super-powers or was suffering from mental illness.

The supporting cast does add depth to the story.  Edward Norton delivers a compelling portrayal of a volatile, self-absorbed actor, while Emma Stone’s character brings a refreshing presence as Keaton’s post-rehab daughter, Sam—and both actors were worthy of their respective supporting nominations. 

There is a unique structure to this film, which consists of a series of long, continuous takes, that’s engaging and draws the viewer in. However, despite its striking visuals and strong characters, “Birdman” ultimately falls short with its storytelling. I couldn’t shake the feeling that if Riggan’s challenges stemmed from a mere nervous breakdown related to the pressures of the play, it would have made the plot far more plausible.

Though “Birdman” does have its positive moments, it doesn’t quite live up to the hype that it received, and I’m not certain if it deserved its nomination, much less its win.