In Hollywood, taking on a complex character in a uniquely filmed movie can be both a blessing and a curse to an actor. This was the case for Michael Keaton during the filming of the critically acclaimed film “Birdman.” Under Alejandro Iñárritu’s direction, the entire film was orchestrated with precision, requiring actors to meet specific marks and the camera work to avoid shadows—all while filming on the bustling streets of New York and dealing with the tight schedules of the theaters that served as the film’s backdrop.
Renowned cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki spoke in a 2014 Hitfix article about the elaborate process behind the scenes, revealing that it often took around 15 attempts to perfect each scene. Unlike normal filming routines that involve shooting short scenes from several angles, “Birdman” challenged Michael Keaton, who was more seasoned with the camera than the stage, to maintain performance intensity for extended periods.
“But this is how you want to be exhausted. Leaving a lot of movie sets, I’ve gone home and said, ‘How come my hands are clean?’ I should finish something and go home with dirt in my fingernails, because then you really feel that you’ve done something. This was one where I went, ‘Whoa man, I worked.’”
Keaton’s dedication to his role earned him an Oscar nomination, though the award ultimately went to Eddie Redmayne. Following “Birdman,” Keaton’s career path led him back to the superhero genre, including roles such as the Vulture in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” and his nostalgic return as Batman in “The Flash” in 2023.
A pity.
FAQ: Michael Keaton’s Role in “Birdman”
- How many takes did it often require to get a scene right in “Birdman”?
- What made the filming of “Birdman” challenging for Michael Keaton?
- Did Michael Keaton win an Academy Award for his role in “Birdman”?
- What superhero roles did Keaton take on after “Birdman”?
Many scenes in “Birdman” did not come together until around the 15th take, revealing the film’s intricate production process.
The real-time filming style, extended takes, and the need for perfect timing in scenes made “Birdman” a particularly challenging role for Michael Keaton, who had limited stage experience.
No, Michael Keaton was nominated for an Oscar for his performance in “Birdman,” but he lost to Eddie Redmayne in “The Theory of Everything.”
Following “Birdman,” Michael Keaton appeared as the Vulture in “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” reprised the role in “Morbius,” and returned to play Batman in “The Flash” released in 2023.
Conclusion
The journey Michael Keaton undertook for his portrayal in “Birdman” underscores the actor’s versatility and commitment to his craft. Despite the hurdles, from meticulous cinematography to demanding performance expectations, Keaton emerged from the experience with arguably the finest performance of his career, a testament to the power of dedication and hard work in the art of film. While the Oscar may have eluded him, his multifaceted work following “Birdman” showcases an actor unafraid to explore diverse roles, from dramatic to superhero blockbusters, leaving a legacy of vast and varied performances for audiences to enjoy.