Five Lessons From Birdman Film

"Manzilein unko milti hai, jinke iraadon mein jaan hoti hai;

Udaan pankhon se nahi, udaan houslon se hoti hai..."

- Navjot Singh Sidhu (in India's Comedy Nights TV-show).

English Translation-

Those whose wishes/intentions have life, attain targets.

Flight is not by wings, flight is by strength of spirit or courage.

The Hollywood movie- Birdman is very interesting and set me thinking.

Small wonder, it has earned so many Golden Globe & Oscar Award nominations including for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Acting etc.

Poster ; Source: Wikipedia

Birdman (or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is about Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton), an erstwhile movie-star, who is still remembered as Birdman- his iconic role.

I learnt the following five lessons from Birdman film-

1. Know your purpose. Have strong fundas and values like gratitude and honesty-

"To call myself beloved and feel myself loved on Earth."

"This is about being respected & validated."

"You confuse love for admiration."

"Popularity is the slutty little cousin of prestige."

"You are beautiful and talented and I'm lucky to have you."

"Truth is always interesting."

"I don't pretend out there."

"I have been reborn. I can see the future."

2. Do not rest over past laurels. Strive hard, have full focus and be faithful even during adversities-

Riggan had been a superstar once. However, he feels the world has forgotten him. He doesn't wish to be remembered only as Birdman. He makes a switch to Broadway and exhibits serious and intense passion for his new chosen work as writer, actor and director, even skipping meals and sleep. When he gets accidentally locked out, travels through Times Square in his underwear, and gets mobbed by fans, he still has full focus on his act for which he joins in the nick of time.

3. Have courage to face fears. Deal firmly with the inner voice-

Riggan's Birdman voice is critical and negative at many times. Riggan practices breathing techniques and uses his powers like telekinesis to shut it off. At other times, when the Birdman voice gives hope, encouragement and support, Riggan believes him, takes inspiration and is ready for flight.

4. Faith makes us achieve anything-

If we wish to fly, we must first believe that we can fly. 

Riggan's daughter goes to rehab and recovers from addiction. Riggan's friend has faith in Riggan's ability and takes risks.

Riggan has super qualities like- Levitation & Telekinesis. He lets his imagination take flight. He mortgages his house to fund his Broadway play. At the end, the audience gives his realistic act a standing ovation. He earns the strict critic's praise and rave-reviews too. He achieves fame and is famous. He silences his critics!

Pic with permission- Photo Prompt : Magpie Tales

5. Use Social Media to advantage-

At first, Riggan hates Bloggers, Twitter, Facebook, Social Media.

Later, he realizes the power of Social Media when his video goes viral on Youtube and his daughter explains that he commands power. She opens a Twitter account for Riggan and his account gains "80,000 Followers in less than a day"!

May we all recognize our potential and fly!

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are"
ee cummings

Linking with-
ABC Wednesday- F For Five, Fundas, Flight, Fly, Future, Fund, Faithful, Friend, Freedom, Face, Fears, Full, Finished, Focus, Fans, Followers, Fame, Famous, Facebook, Force, Faith, Film
Magpie Tales
In Other Words- Courage
Two Shoes Tuesday- Faithful