‘Birdman’ Ending, Explained by Director Alejandro González Iñárritu

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As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours dissecting and analyzing various stories, I find the ambiguous ending of Alejandro González Iñárritu‘s masterpiece, ‘Birdman,’ to be nothing short of breathtakingly beautiful. Being a woman with a background in psychology, I have always been fascinated by the complexities of human emotion and the ways in which we as individuals cope with our own realities.

In ‘Birdman,’ we see Riggan, played brilliantly by Michael Keaton, grappling with his past and seeking redemption through a Broadway play. His journey is not only an exploration of artistic ambition but also a poignant commentary on the human condition. The film’s ending leaves us questioning what truly happened to Riggan as he flies out of the hospital window, and I believe that this ambiguity is precisely what makes the story so impactful.

To me, ‘Birdman’ serves as a reminder that our lives are filled with moments of uncertainty and confusion, yet it is these very experiences that shape us into the people we become. As Riggan finds peace in the final moments of the film, whether he has died or achieved his dream, we are left to ponder what truly matters in life: finding fulfillment, acceptance, and love for ourselves and others.

Now, let me lighten the mood with a little joke: They say that life is like a Broadway play, filled with highs, lows, and unexpected twists. But I’d rather think of it as more like ‘Birdman’ – where sometimes, even when you’re standing on the edge of a window, you can still find a way to soar!

Marvel and Disney films consistently provide clear narratives that offer audiences a straightforward message through their stories. These films follow a logical progression, posing questions and providing answers, which appeals to moviegoers seeking entertainment without confusion. In contrast, movies such as “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” may leave viewers puzzled about the significance of their endings, leading to intense, prolonged discussions (or occasionally, negative reactions toward the film itself).

Renowned director Alejandro González Iñárritu, famous for movies like “The Revenant” and “Babel”, didn’t shy away when crafting this Academy Award-winning dark comedy. Starring Michael Keaton, who played Beetlejuice in the lead role, the film boasts an impressive ensemble cast as well, featuring Emma Stone, Edward Norton, Naomi Watts, Andrea Riseborough, and Zach Galifianakis.

The narrative swiftly draws viewers into the tumultuous realm of Riggan Thomson, a former Hollywood star struggling with the ghost of his blockbuster superhero character, Birdman. As he prepares for his Broadway debut, he grapples both publicly and privately with this winged alter ego, striving to establish himself as a genuine artist. On the brink of a nervous breakdown, the play mirrors his descent into chaos. Actors sustain injuries, a novice takes over, and the lines between reality and illusion become blurred. Ultimately, one wonders what is authentic in the end.

‘Birdman’ Ends with a Bang

Alejandro González Iñárritu’s movie, crafted to mimic a single, continuous take, immerses viewers into Riggan’s progressively tumultuous psyche as he grapples with his identity and the pressures from the outside world. As the opening night of his directorial and acting debut in the Broadway adaptation of Raymond Carver’s short story, “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love,” draws near, things begin to unravel.

In a twist of events, it is suspected that his co-star gets hurt when a light fixture falls (which he suspects was caused by his Birdman abilities). His on-screen daughter Sam, played by Emma Stone from the film “Poor Things,” is a recovering drug addict who serves as his assistant and harbors intense dislike towards him. In a last-ditch effort to keep the production going, Mike Shiner, a self-centered actor portrayed by Edward Norton, takes over. As the story unfolds, Riggan’s psychological state worsens. He starts seeing Birdman in reality, hearing his critical voice, and grappling with both personal and professional setbacks.

As the story approaches its dramatic conclusion, Riggan finds it difficult to distinguish reality from fiction, and neither the audience nor himself are entirely sure what’s happening. Following a chaotic dress rehearsal, Riggan takes flight on the opening night of the play. Backstage, he readies himself for the performance, most notably swapping a prop gun for a genuine one. The play concludes with a staged suicide attempt that brings about the standing ovation he has longed for.

In the closing scenes of “Birdman,” Riggan finds himself lying in a hospital bed. He’s jolted awake by the sight of a glowing theater review praising the play’s authenticity, an outpouring of social media praise, and a bandaged, rebuilt nose. In the bathroom, he confronts his Birdman persona before noticing a group of birds outside his window. He opens the window and steps onto the ledge. Sam then enters the room to find her father missing, rushes to the open window, and searches the ground below. Gradually, she looks up into the sky, leaving viewers with just a smile.

‘Birdman’ Needed an Ambiguous Ending to Make Sense

As a movie reviewer, I’d say that at its core, “Birdman” delves deep into the intricate dance of identity. The protagonist, Riggan, grapples with his longing to be a respected actor and the world’s perception of him as a washed-up superhero. Meanwhile, his daughter Sam struggles with her feelings for Riggan and herself, often escaping through substance abuse. And Mike, a character who is hard to decipher, seems to blur the lines between reality and stage life, finding his true self only when he’s pretending on stage. Each character grapples with their dual natures, but it’s Riggan who yearns for reconciliation the most, regardless of what that might look like in the end.

Filmmaker Iñárritu skillfully portrays the characters’ internal contradictions using a magical realism approach in filming. The movie takes place in the real world but incorporates supernatural elements fluidly, mirroring how individuals envision their lives as they experience them. Characters like Riggan are depicted flying, conversing with a tangible Birdman figure, and the camera flows endlessly — representing the dreamy nature of human consciousness. Consequently, the movie’s ambiguous ending aligns with its continuous magical metaphors throughout.

The Reality-Based Ending

An alternative perspective on the movie suggests that Riggan’s last scenes are viewed from a realistic standpoint, disregarding any magical elements. This interpretation aims to understand his destiny after the gunshot, as his death rather than a hospital awakening occurs instead. Consequently, the final scene is seen as Riggan’s imaginary happy ending, where he reconciles with Birdman before departing from life since he can’t bring him along in death. In this fantasy, Riggan soars towards the light through the window and finds peace. Sam’s smile at the end symbolizes Riggan’s hopes for her once he is no longer around.

The Magic-Based Ending

From another perspective, numerous spectators interpret the movie’s ending as symbolizing Riggan stepping into the life he’s always desired. With a torrent of accolades from both new fans and critics, Riggan finds fulfillment. He achieves the recognition he yearned for since abandoning his Birdman character, along with the affectionate companionship of Sylvia and Sam. Thus, flying out of the hospital window signifies that everything is now in harmony within his world. The closing shot of Sam’s smile embodies the admiration Riggan envisions as he ascends into a fantastical realm of stardom.

Reality and Fantasy are Both True: Iñárritu Left ‘Birdman’ Ending Open for Interpretation

When it comes to entertainment, viewers often seek clarity from creators about a story’s meaning, disregarding the possibility that their interpretation may differ from the original intent. For instance, director Alejandro González Iñárritu has chosen not to explain the ambiguous ending of his 2014 film “Birdman” to preserve its intended uncertainty. In an interview with the Tampa Bay Times, he said, “The ending of the film can be interpreted in as many ways as there are seats in the theater.” While viewers may have varying opinions about where the movie’s magical realism takes them, there isn’t a single definitive interpretation for its conclusion.

In essence, all widely accepted theories (and those not mentioned) hold validity at the same time. Just like the intricate narratives in films directed by Christopher Nolan, such as Inception and Memento, the events depicted don’t dictate reality; instead, it’s the questions they pose that carry significance. The true essence of the movie Birdman lies in the thought-provoking queries it presents. Regardless of what actually occurred to Riggan, his journey towards finding fulfillment is what truly matters.

If a person seems to have found peace with challenging aspects of themselves or their past, is it relevant whether that peace is authentic or not? Aren’t their feelings of contentment genuine in their own right?

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2024-12-29 05:39