Film discussion: Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

Tonight’s discussion of Birdman presents a real opportunity. First, if you’ve already seen it (as I have), we can share my enjoyment of watching the performances and the lovely cinematography and the sheer moviemaking joy of the piece without worrying too much about what happens.

If you haven’t seen it, you will be able to watch it in a state of relaxation, knowing that your fellow audience members will help you make sense of things once it’s over. And believe me, that’s not necessarily a trivial task.

Personally, I think Birdman is right up there with films like Pulp Fiction or Run Lola Run or The Grand Budapest Hotel in the amount of pure inventiveness and cinematic self-awareness it offers. It’s a quality that makes a film into not just a good story, but a good story told by a master storyteller.

As you may have guessed, I’m really looking forward to our discussion of Birdman. And whether you pride yourself on seeing as many Oscar nominees (in major categories) as possible (as I do), or not, I think the movie will draw you in and take you on a trip through anxiety and self-doubt all the way up to a kind of dreamy triumph. It’s that kind of movie. You have to pay your dues, but it will pay you back.

I hope to see you tonight at Birdman, and then at The Theory of Everything next Tuesday.

Remember, there’s nowhere like a nice warm movie theater to forget about the White Plague that’s narrowing our streets and turning our sidewalks into obstacle courses. And The Music Hall will provide free coffee and popcorn for anyone who stays!

Paul Goodwin
TMHMG