Double Feature Review: Birdman & Whiplash.

Another double feature weekend. This weekend was a real treat as I checked out two highly anticipated films that have been getting some real awards buzz, Birdman and Whiplash.

Birdman
D: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu
W: Armando Bo, Alexander Dinelas, Jr., Nicolas Giacobone, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu
S: Michael Keaton, Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton, Andrea Riseborough, Amy Ryan, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts

First up is Birdman. No, not the 60s Hanna-Barbera cartoon or Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law. While this movie does involve a superhero character named Birdman, this movie is revolved around a washed up actor named Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) who is attempting to rejuvenate his career by producing, writing, directing, and starring in a Broadway play. As opening night approaches not only does Thomson have to deal with an egotistical actor (Edward Norton), his troubled daughter (Emma Stone), and countless production problems, he also has to battle his own demons and ego.

Right off the bat I must say that the way this movie was filmed was absolutely amazing. I have to give credit to all these actors, directors, producers, and other crew members for this. The movie is essentially shot in a series of single takes. Long, continuous, takes. I heard somewhere that Inarritu wanted to create a feeling that is similar to a stage play and if that was the case it succeeded. Matter of fact, I'd pay good money to see this on stage. Mainly because I'd want to see HOW they do it.

But obviously the real highlight and the one thing that has been drawling a lot of people's attention is the performances, more specifically Michael Keaton. Seeing Keaton again on the big screen in a leading role is an awesome site. To me, this actor, is a truly great actor. Keaton can take on any role and make it his own. Just take a look at his resume, he was Beetlejuice, Batman, provided the voice of Ken in Toy Story 3 (2010, dir. Lee Unkrich), and has even performed Shakespeare on the big screen. Never question his qualifications. He is able to display every emotion that is required of him and more. Frustration, anxious, qualm, quiet, collected, enraged, etc. etc. If Keaton doesn't at the very least get an Oscar nomination, I'll be upset. 

Of course he isn't the only person to give a great performance. Edward Norton fits in almost too well as an egoistical, arrogant, and pretentious actor. Emma Stone as always is wonderful. But one performer who remains unsung with this film is Naomi Watts as Lesley, a first time Broadway actress in the show and we see her battling her own fears and anxiety and her relationship with Norton's character. She is great in the film. 

Now there is one aspect that a couple fellow critics have found troubling and that is Lindsay Duncan's character who is a theater critic. While every character in the film is given some sort of depth and understanding no matter who despicable they can get she is the only character not given something outside of stereotypes of critics. But the more I thought about it, I don't think she's an actual person. No, she's just an amalgamation of Keaton and Norton's character's fears. Both of these characters are so afraid of being called fake or irrelevant that it has gotten to the point where they've created a fake critic. Given how Keaton's character mainly keeps seeing random stuff, mainly a younger version of himself in the Birdman costume, it wouldn't surprise me if this critic character wasn't an actual person. 

I think the only people who given less of a character are the paparazzi and reports like TMZ. Which... yeah go right ahead I don't think anyone is going to be that upset about that. 

This film has a lot going for it and is something that has to be seen on the big screen to be appreciated. 

But now onto the second film, Whiplash

Whiplash

D: Damien Chazelle

W: Damien Chazelle

S: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons

A young 19-year-old music student named Andrew Neyman (future Mr. Fantastic Miles Teller) is enrolled at the fictional Shaffer Conservatory in New York where he hopes to become the next Buddy Rich. He soon gets to join the studio jazz band as an alternate drummer under the direction of the infamous Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons). Why is he infamous? Because this instructor will chew up out, insult you, and even slap you if even do slightly out of tune. This guy can go from comforting and inviting, to being psychotic and furious. This guy would make R. Lee Ermey in Full Metal Jacket (1987, dir. Stanley Kubrick) sweat with fear. 

This guy pushes Andrew so hard and warps his mind to the point where Andrew cuts off social and family ties, and starts living in a practice room where he practices almost none stop. He pushes himself so hard to the point to where his hands bleed. Andrew himself represents the extremes a person will go to when pushing themselves to achieve something, especially in the arts. We see him cry, we see him dripping with sweat, and obvious he bleeds himself. His blood gets all over his hands, all over his sticks, and even on the drums. And while Teller does a decent job in the role, the real highlight performance goes to J.K. Simmons.

Simmons has always been a great presence in movies. Whether it's portraying a psychiatrist in Law &Order, or playing Peter Parker's boss in Spider-Man he is always amazing. With this film, he is amazing and he is truly, TRULY terrifying. I'm still debating as to whether he or Jake Gyllenhaal in Nightcrawler (2014, dir. Dan Gilroy) gets the prize of most terrifying performance of the year. 

I'm sure those of you who have seen the trailer have seen some pretty terrifying behavior from the guy, well that's nothing compared to what's actually seen on screen. Trust me, you'll be terrifying of him in every scene.

One thing this film does that I think will make it last throughout the ages is that this film makes us ask serious question involving art and the pursuit of art: What is the limit to pursuing a dream? If you're going to push someone how far is too far? Is okay to nourish someone? Is it just pandering to say 'good job'? Do the ends justify the means? Is it a good idea to cut ties? 

This is a great film. And I'll say for Simmons what I said about Keaton, if he doesn't get at least an Oscar nomination, I'll be upset. 

Any thoughts? What did you think of the films? Share your thoughts in the comment sections.

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