In the opening scene, after a dissolving-text graphic explains, by way of Raymond Carver’s “Late Fragment,” what the film’s main theme will be, Riggan Thomson is shown from behind, alone, nearly naked, sitting cross legged and levitating, as his alter ego decries the detestable contrast of the actor’s current station to the prestige and rightful glory of the Birdman. Thomson is shown several times throughout the film either levitating or employing telekinesis, usually in scenes where he is alone with his vainglorious superhero of an ego, who represents, in a less-than-subtle manner, the lingering sense of self-importance which comes from widespread admiration. Thomson’s disdain for the deep-voiced, uncouth, unrelenting bully in a bird suit…show more content… In one scene, however, the viewer is given a reason to wonder if Thomson’s telekinesis is more than just a metaphorical manifestation of his own self-image, when a stage light falls on the head of a floundering actor whom Thomson sees as a threat to his play’s success. As Thomson walks away from the scene of the incident, he informs his attorney reputed best friend that “that wasn’t an accident… I made it happen.” (Birdman) This indication that telekinetic ability may be at least a perceived reality for Thomson is immediately dismissed by his attorney’s response, “Are you…show more content… Perhaps the most direct and conclusive evidence of the fantastical nature of Thomson’s extraordinary abilities appears in a scene when Thomson is being berated through one of the Birdman’s many disparaging attempts to persuade Thomson to give up on his silly notion of being an artist and return to the superficially glamorous world of being a comic book hero. The New York City scene around Thomson explodes into a cinematic action sequence as the Birdman’s discouragement of Thomson’s artistic aspirations transitions into a sincere and passionate sales-pitch, citing the glory and the money and the sheer animal satisfaction available with the simple choice to forego the current, disobliging endeavor and return to the life of a comic book hero. As the Birdman’s monologue comes to an end, Thomson begins to float up from the street, leaving the shot for a moment, as the camera shows bystanders gathering and looking up, as if watching Thomson ascend, before catching up with Thomson on the edge of a building, apparently contemplating a leap. After a man pulls him down from the ledge and asks if he needs help, Thomson turns and leaps from the building and, again, out of view until the camera moves out over the edge of the roof and shows Thomson gain control of his plummet and take a casual fly around the city. Thomson lands, with dramatic finesse, in front of the theater which is to house his play, and walks inside as the camera
