Two Jews On Birdman

This black comedy, directed by Alejendro G. Inarritu is one of the most brilliant, original films I’ve seen in a long time. It blew me away..
First the acting…Michael Keaton is absolutely magnificent in the performance of his career. He plays washed-up actor Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton), who became famous for playing an iconic superhero in the movies. After doing three ‘Birdman’ movies, Riggan decides he’s had enough and years later, stages a combeback in a Broadway play, that he adapted from a Raymond Carver short story entitled, ‘What We Talk About, When We Talk About Love’. At the same time, our former out comic book hero is dealing with his ‘Birdman’ alter ego who torments him and a daughter, Sam (Emma Stone) just out of rehab. Plus, Riggan has to keep the reins on his co-star, the high maintenance, out of control, alcoholic theatre actor, Mike Shiner (the wonderful Ed Norton) Lucky for Riggan, he has some help from his BFF/lawyer/fellow producer, Zach Galifinakis)

Now for the director, Mr. Inarrita…mostly known for his dark, depressing films, ‘Amores Perros’, ’29 Grams’, ‘Babel’ has written along with his three collaborators, Alexander Dinelans, Nicolas Giacobone, Armando Bo, a biting spot on satire about…Hollywood and showbusiness. Thanks to his amazing cinematographer, Emmanuel Lubezki, who manipulated the camerawork and editing to give the appearance that the film is one continuous long take, the film is absolutely memorizing at the same time.
Rounding out the cast is Naomi Watts as Leslie, an actress in the play who’s about to appear on Broadway for the first time…Amy Ryan (Sylvia) Riggan’s estranged, but loving ex wife…Andrea Riseborough (Laura) Riggan’s sometime girlfriend, also in the play and finally Lindsay Duncan as a NY Times critic, that could destroy a play with a stroke of her pen.
‘Birdman’ was shot in 30 days inside New York City’s famed St. James Theatre. It’s funny, touching, exciting, bizarre and a film you should run out to see. It may just be one of the best films of 2014.

Keaton definitely gives one of the best performances of 2014.

I gave ‘Birdman’ which opens in theatres Friday October 17, 2014 my highest bagel score…5 out of 5.

Check out our Two Jews On Film video for more of my thoughts.

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Joan and John Schwartz

Joan and John Schwartz are ex New Yorkers, living in Los Angeles. They are married and see a lot of films. They usually disagree but always tell it like it is. John is most famous for creating the cult classic films Faces of Death. He has also written for various prime time series and has written movies for both Showtime and HBO. In the world of reality television John has produced, written and directed over 450 segments for various magazine shows He has also written and Executive Produced several Prime-Time Specials. Joan has appeared on the New York Stage on and off Broadway…and has been in several Los Angeles theater productions as well.. Joan has been in several low budget films and at present she is busy writing screenplays with her husband, John.

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