When we rented the DVD of this movie last night, we asked the video store owner if he had enjoyed it. He told us that when he watches movies he just wants to have the actors make him believe in the story they are telling. He has no desire to know what is going on behind the scenes.
Well, if you, too, are the type of person who does not wish to see the puppet strings, this movie is not for you. However, if you are a theatre geek/comic book connoisseur/human nature observer, then please by all means watch this film!
The story line is original, fresh, and moving. The acting is impeccable. Every performance is memorable, but Michael Keaton especially embraces the character of Riggin, with all of his beautiful flaws. Keaton was not afraid to show himself as the aging actor he is, and he was equally unafraid to embody the flaws of an actors ego. He shows us that to be human is to be a rich tapestry of good and bad alike.
Edward Norton proves once again what an amazing actor he is. This is his best work since "Fight Club". Just like his character in "Primal Fear" he is able to convincingly wear two faces, and he makes us want to see more of both.
Emma Stone is far and away my favorite young actress (to be fair, she shares this honor with Jennifer Lawrence), and in this film she proves why this is so. As an addict just out of rehab, struggling with her demons and trying to navigate the dysfunctional worlds of the theatre and her less-than-perfect family, the woman is clarifying in her intensity.
Naomi Watts, Zach Galifanakis, Andrea Riseborough, and Amy Ryan round out the cast and add spice and other assorted flavors to this amazing stew.
If you know and love theatre, see this. If you an an aficionado of super hero movies, see this. If you are a human being, see this. You will be rewarded with a look behind the scenes of these characters-both literally and figuratively- and if you are lucky, you will be rewarded with a look into yourself.
Damn, I want to do another play...
