“Birdman” or “The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance,” released in 2014 and directed by Mexican filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu, immerses us in a journey into the background of Broadway theater… but also jazz music.
Translated by Jesús Ronquillo / Circuito Frontera
Starring Michael Keaton, the film was known for its seemingly continuous filming technique, which captures the chaotic behind-the-scenes life of an actor.
Michael Keaton gives life to Riggan Thomson, who curiously presents a similarity with the character and his own past as Batman in the 1980s.
Here, Keaton plays an actor who was once famous for playing the superhero Birdman, and his performance immerses us in Riggan’s tumultuous mind.
In “Birdman” we can explore the idea of ephemeral fame and the struggle for relevance in the film industry.
This film also has a similarity to Norma Desmond’s character in “Sunset Boulevard,” where the lead actress must cope with the fact that she is no longer a recognized actress, even though she was once the most popular.
In this sense, Riggan resembles Norma, so the casting choice adds an intriguing layer to the film, as it presents a very thin line between fact and fiction.
The jazz
However, when talking about “Birdman” we cannot overlook the film’s soundtrack, composed by fellow Mexican Antonio Sanchez, who provided a distinctive element to this cinematic experience.
Sanchez, known for his mastery of percussion, took a unique approach in creating the film’s score, where he decided to use primarily drums as the musical thread.
This effect gave the film a pulsating rhythm that synchronizes with the tension and urgency of the plot.
A curious detail is that Sánchez created a soundtrack that flows continuously, following the visual technique of the recording, rather than adhering to the traditional use of the score to highlight specific moments.
Sanchez’s choice to use percussion as a protagonist is not only bold but also symbolic, with the drums reflecting Riggan Thomson’s pulsating theatrical life and constant quest for success.
This fusion of music and narrative highlights the genius behind the film, making the soundtrack a vital element that amplifies the visual experience.
Interestingly, Antonio Sanchez composed much of the music before the film was shot, allowing the music to influence the acting and direction.
“Birdman” stands out for its innovative film technique from a cinematic point of view, but it is also a multi-sensory journey where music, in particular, stands as a driving force that immerses us in the emotional complexity of the characters.
If you haven’t seen it, this is our Cinema Circuit recommendation of the week.
