‘Worth’: Michael Keaton Shines in This Underrated Drama

Michael Keaton’s supposed “comeback” in the Best Picture-winning film ‘Birdman’ was a moment of recognition for his distinctive approach to his career. While Keaton reached peak popularity with roles in Tim Burton’s ‘Beetlejuice’ and the first two ‘Batman’ films, much of his work has been in smaller, niche projects. Although the success of ‘Birdman’ led to major roles in films like ‘Spotlight’ and ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’, Keaton largely returned to the personal projects that defined his early career. One of his most powerful yet underappreciated performances is in the Netflix drama ‘Worth’.

‘Worth’ didn’t achieve mainstream success or significant awards attention, likely due to its delayed release rather than its quality. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2020 and was eventually released on Netflix by Barack Obama’s Higher Ground production studio for the 20th anniversary of 9/11. 

Image Courtesy: Netflix

‘Worth’ tells the true story of Kenneth Feinberg, the attorney appointed as the Special Master of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. Feinberg, played by Keaton, faces the challenging task of determining compensation for the victims’ families. Initially overwhelmed, Feinberg’s perspective shifts after meeting activist Charles Wolf (Stanley Tucci), leading him to create a more equitable compensation formula.

Keaton’s portrayal of Feinberg highlights a different kind of heroism, showing a man who could have easily followed orders but chose to use his position to make a meaningful impact. Keaton brings out the nuances of Feinberg’s character, emphasizing his professionalism and empathy. Rather than opting for a performance that seeks to grab attention, Keaton delivers a more subdued and authentic portrayal, which makes ‘Worth’ a moving biopic about the complexities of assigning value to human life.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

Despite being distributed on Netflix, ‘Worth’ is a cinematic achievement that benefits from thoughtful direction by Sara Colangelo. The film captures the monotony of Feinberg’s work while exploring broader themes of activism and justice. Keaton’s recent projects, including ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’,’The Founder’, ‘Spotlight’, and ‘Dopesick’, reflect his commitment to telling important stories about the American experience, making him one of Hollywood’s most impactful actors.

–Farheen Ali