Despite a $205 million budget and a star-studded cast, Cathy Yan's 2020 film Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) may not have achieved its desired box office impact. However, the movie deserves reconsideration, particularly for Ewan McGregor's portrayal of the villainous Black Mask and its exploration of its titular character.
McGregor, often recognized for heroic roles such as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars prequel trilogy and his recent turn as a struggling father in The End of Oak Street, delivers a performance as Roman Sionis, the crime lord known as Black Mask, that is both unsettling and captivating. Unlike many DC villains whose motivations center on power or world domination, Black Mask's brand of villainy in Birds of Prey is rooted in a more personal, and arguably more chilling, form of narcissism and control, particularly over women.
Black Mask, first introduced in Batman No. 386 in 1985, is depicted as a character whose immense wealth is matched only by his thin skin and desire to be the center of attention. McGregor captures this essence, portraying Sionis as an eccentric figure whose outward charm can quickly devolve into terrifying, feral fury when his ego is bruised. McGregor himself described the character as a villain fitting for the "time of Trump," an individual utterly spoiled by his upbringing and disconnected from reality, possessing a profound sense of entitlement.
This focus on Black Mask's disturbing personal power dynamics stands in contrast to the more fantastical threats often seen in superhero films. The narrative skillfully uses this to highlight the persistence of misogyny and sexual violence even in a world with superpowers. McGregor's performance makes this all the more potent, offering a stark reminder of real-world issues.
Complementing McGregor's villainous turn is Margot Robbie's definitive portrayal of Harley Quinn. Following her breakup with the Joker, Harley seeks to forge her own identity. The film centers on her journey as she navigates the dangerous underworld of Gotham, eventually forming alliances with a group of women. As Yan's film explores Harley's quest for emancipation, it delves into her character in a way that feels more substantial than previous appearances. The film's strength lies in its focus on Harley and the women she encounters, offering a refreshing narrative about female solidarity amidst criminal chaos.
In an era often dominated by formulaic superhero sequels and power-ranking debates, Birds of Prey stands out as a unique film with something pertinent to say. It successfully blends over-the-top action with a grounded exploration of character and societal issues, making it a worthy watch for fans of Ewan McGregor and a compelling entry in the DC filmography.