BIRDMAN (without the 'flying' stuff)
Another masterpiece from Cassavetes
"If you're lying.....I'll be back"
Glad I am not the only one who sees the connection. I love Opening Night but I have yet to see Birdman and only noticed the similarities between the two films while watching clips of the latter during the telecast of the Golden Globes. I was like, "Wow, that movie reminds me of Opening Night!" It makes me wonder if anyone who revels at Birdman has even seen Opening Night.
Just think about it:
1) Both of them are about plays being rehearsed.
2) Both protagonists make a living as an actor.
3) Both feature protagonists experiencing mid-life crisis (except in Opening Night, the protagonist is female and in Birdman, the protagonist is male).
4) Things go awry in both cases on the way to opening night (pun intended).
5) Both may have similarities to Ingmar Bergman's Persona. (Sorry if I insulted any Bergman fans just now.)
Cast Away...It's like Forrest Gump, but on an island. - Bridesmaids
BIRDMAN is quite a good movie (however tread with caution on the it's message boards, as it's newfound fans are deeply protective of the movie......and will criticize you, should you bring up any issues) I did mention the connection, but it seemed to fall on deaf ears (or whatever the textual equivalent is?)
For my money, OPENING NIGHT is the better of the 3 movies you've mentioned (PERSONA is an influence on both) and may well be my favourite Cassavetes movie. But I will recommend BIRDMAN all the same
"If you're lying.....I'll be back"
I know I sound biased, but I think why Opening Night struck a chord with me is because I happen to be a theatre/music major and the art of acting is a love of mine. In addition, I could really relate to Gena Rowland's character as a woman struggling to separate reality from art in the wake of tragedy (the accidental death of the female fan).
For my money, OPENING NIGHT is the better of the 3 movies you've mentioned (PERSONA is an influence on both) and may well be my favourite Cassavetes movie.
With this statement, I would have to agree. Persona is a film I find to be very convoluted but with future rewatches, I might grow to like it more. I know with some movies, it takes time - I understand. Along with Opening Night, I also liked Husbands, A Woman Under the Influence, and even Love Streams.
I will have to see Birdman when I get the chance.
Cast Away...It's like Forrest Gump, but on an island. - Bridesmaids share