• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • HOME
  • NEWS+OPINIONS
    • NEWS TO US
    • COLUMNS
      • APPARENT HORIZON
      • DEAR READER
      • Close
    • LONGFORM FEATURES
    • OPINIONS
    • EDITORIAL
    • Close
  • ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT
    • FILM
    • MUSIC
    • COMEDY
    • PERFORMING ARTS
    • VISUAL ARTS
    • Close
  • DINING+DRINKING
    • EATS
    • SIPS
    • BOSTON BETTER BEER BUREAU
    • Close
  • LIFESTYLE
    • CANNABIS
      • TALKING JOINTS MEMO
      • Close
    • WELLNESS
    • GTFO
    • Close
  • STUFF TO DO
  • TICKETS
  • ABOUT US
    • ABOUT
    • MASTHEAD
    • ADVERTISE
    • Close
  • BECOME A MEMBER

Dig Bos

The Dig - Greater Boston's Alternative News Source

STAR SYSTEM: CONTEMPLATING CELEBRITY AND CRITICISM AFTER ‘BIRDMAN’

Written by SUSANNA JACKSON Posted October 24, 2014 Filed Under: Film

Upon leaving the theater after seeing Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s latest, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), I decide that the common practice of denoting any principle performance in a film as “starring” should be rethought, as someone taking up a vast amount of screen time does not necessarily mean that they shine in their role. Perhaps bestowing the prized five-pointed descriptor should be reserved only for those who turn in a rather admirable performance, to be deemed worthy only after the work is complete, not while it’s being marketed. I think, let’s make “stars” a matter of quality, and not about manipulative semantics and commercialism.

I think this because the film delivers an abundance of superior performances; Michael Keaton is in finer than fine form—even if it’s not fit form—as a washed up actor who rose to fame tying himself to a superhero franchise and now, seeking a worthwhile comeback, aligns himself with the high-brow art form, theater; a triumphant Emma Stone, as his recently-returned-from-rehab daughter, delivers a handful of monologues that aspiring actresses, eyes adorned with dark heroine chic makeup, will rehearse in their bathroom mirrors; Edward Norton, the former’s costar and competition, and the latter’s quasi-romantic interest, sparkles in a role seemingly written for him; and we can’t forget that recurring pair of tighty whities, which are tight and white and hilarious (you’ll see).

But almost immediately following my epiphany, I recognize my own myopia. Sure, I still feel like I am onto something, but Iñárritu’s meta, swooping, darkly divine film skewers the current state of celebrity, performance, and arts criticism. Who are you to judge an artist? A piece of artwork? A youTube video? Who are you to assign or reassign labels? Who are you tp tell an artist what’s worthwhile or what their worth is? See, the genius of Birdman is that in and of itself it’s a star—but it doesn’t need you, me, or anyone else to say so … But as a critic, I want to say it anyways.

BIRDMAN OR (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE) | R | IN THEATERS NOW

 

SUSANNA JACKSON
+ posts
    This author does not have any more posts.

Filed Under: Film Tagged With: Alejandro G. Iñárritu, birdman, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), Edward Norton, Emma Stone, michael keaton

WHAT’S NEW

Mass Higher Ed Advocates Urge More Investment In Students 

Mass Higher Ed Advocates Urge More Investment In Students 

Guest Opinion: Promoting Metal Detectors In BPS Perpetuates Dangerous Narrative

Guest Opinion: Promoting Metal Detectors In BPS Perpetuates Dangerous Narrative

State Wire: Mass Leads Nation In 'Green' Building Development

State Wire: Mass Leads Nation In ‘Green’ Building Development

State Wire: Mass Advocates Of Higher Ed Set Goals For Fair Share Revenue

State Wire: Mass Advocates Of Higher Ed Set Goals For Fair Share Revenue

Does Massachusetts Underestimate Its Greenhouse Gas Emissions?

Does Massachusetts Underestimate Its Greenhouse Gas Emissions?

State Wire: The Legacy Of MLK’s Dream Of Economic Justice In Mass

State Wire: The Legacy Of MLK’s Dream Of Economic Justice In Mass

Primary Sidebar

LOCAL EVENTS

AAN Wire


Most Popular

  • 20 Great Tracks To Come Out Of Greater Boston In 2022
  • Think Massachusetts Cannabis Prices Are Low Now? Just Wait Six Months!
  • Why Are Cannabis Prices Really Crashing?
  • A New Beginning For Formerly Incarcerated Women
  • Jerrod Carmichael Has First Show After Coming Out—At the Wilbur In Boston

Footer

Social Buttons

DigBoston facebook DigBoston Twitter DigBoston Instagram

Masthead

About

Advertise

Customer Service

About Us

DigBoston is a one-stop nexus for everything worth doing or knowing in the Boston area. It's an alt-weekly, it's a website, it's an email blast, it's a twitter account, it's that cool party that you were at last night ... hey, you're reading it, so it's gotta be good. For advertising inquiries: sales@digboston.com To reach editorial (and for inquiries about internship opportunities): editorial@digboston.com