It's hard to believe, but I think that Burt Lancaster is an underrated actor! I think he was more known for his classic movie star looks and athleticism more so than for his acting prowess. But yet he is one of the more honored actors in film history (four Best Actor nominations, including this film, and a win for ELMER GANTRY in 1960). Strange, but I really think he's not considered among the all time greats, but he should be. He was amazingly versatile: he did films of all genres (Westerns, film noir, historical drama, political thriller, biopic) and he did them all well. He's really one of the most watchable actors in all of film history. And his greatest accomplishment may just be in this film, THE BIRDMAN OF ALCATRAZ.
Try to find a false note in Lancaster's performance, here! You can't! Lancaster plays convicted murderer Robert Stroud, sentenced to life imprisonment in solitary confinement in the early 20th century. Stroud really did exist. To cope, deal with, and exist, Stroud became a bird expert, perhaps the best in the world. He created his own aviary and learned how to care for and treat all kinds of birds. He wrote books on the subject and was world-renowned and honored for his accomplishments, all the time being in prison. While the film may embellish Stroud's character, that is irrelevant to me, because I find it one of the most inspirational biopics I've ever seen. It may be the best biopic ever! You would think a prison movie would be boring, but BIRDMAN is not even close to that. Why? Character, baby! Character! And Lancaster exudes character! He makes you care for and understand Stroud, at least his version of him. This is a full-blooded performance. No tricks, no gimmicks, no over-the-top antics. It makes me feel good to know that Lancaster received Best Actor nom for this great performance, b/c he plays a REAL person, regardless of the cinematic liberties taken.
I can watch a film like this a lot easier than any of the tedious, Oscar-begging biopics they show nowadays. Why? Again, character! In addition to Lancaster, this film has one of the best casts I've ever seen: Thelma Ritter as Stroud's mom, Neville Brand as his longtime cell block guard, Telly Savalas as his fellow inmate, Betty Field as his nominal wife, and last but not least Karl Malden as Stroud's 2-time warden (once at Leavenworth and last at Alcatraz). All these actors give sterling performances. This is one reason the film holds up so well.
The director John Frankenheimer, who Lancaster worked with a lot, deserves special mention as well. Actors and filmmakers who do biopics nowadays should really take notes of films like BIRDMAN OF ALCATRAZ. The film is like watching BIOPIC 101. An inspirational, 'true' story, with simplistically brilliant dialogue and true character performances. A real classic!
Try to find a false note in Lancaster's performance, here! You can't! Lancaster plays convicted murderer Robert Stroud, sentenced to life imprisonment in solitary confinement in the early 20th century. Stroud really did exist. To cope, deal with, and exist, Stroud became a bird expert, perhaps the best in the world. He created his own aviary and learned how to care for and treat all kinds of birds. He wrote books on the subject and was world-renowned and honored for his accomplishments, all the time being in prison. While the film may embellish Stroud's character, that is irrelevant to me, because I find it one of the most inspirational biopics I've ever seen. It may be the best biopic ever! You would think a prison movie would be boring, but BIRDMAN is not even close to that. Why? Character, baby! Character! And Lancaster exudes character! He makes you care for and understand Stroud, at least his version of him. This is a full-blooded performance. No tricks, no gimmicks, no over-the-top antics. It makes me feel good to know that Lancaster received Best Actor nom for this great performance, b/c he plays a REAL person, regardless of the cinematic liberties taken.
I can watch a film like this a lot easier than any of the tedious, Oscar-begging biopics they show nowadays. Why? Again, character! In addition to Lancaster, this film has one of the best casts I've ever seen: Thelma Ritter as Stroud's mom, Neville Brand as his longtime cell block guard, Telly Savalas as his fellow inmate, Betty Field as his nominal wife, and last but not least Karl Malden as Stroud's 2-time warden (once at Leavenworth and last at Alcatraz). All these actors give sterling performances. This is one reason the film holds up so well.
The director John Frankenheimer, who Lancaster worked with a lot, deserves special mention as well. Actors and filmmakers who do biopics nowadays should really take notes of films like BIRDMAN OF ALCATRAZ. The film is like watching BIOPIC 101. An inspirational, 'true' story, with simplistically brilliant dialogue and true character performances. A real classic!