BIRDMAN or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

So what's it about? 

Years after staring as iconic superhero Birdman, washed up actor, Riggan (Michael Keaton), attempts to make a comeback in the form of theatre. But in the lead up to his opening night he has to battle a midlife crisis, overcoming his own ego and the rocky relationships with everyone in his life.

In other words…

Delving into the murky world of theatre.

The main men and leading ladies…

Could the former Batman, Michael Keaton, be reflecting his own story here as the former superhero superstar making a comeback in a dark, complicated, arthouse drama? Edward Norton is back to his best, Emma Stone never left her best and wait, is that Zach Galifianakis playing a serious role?

In the chair…

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu makes life difficult for himself by making the film look as though it’s shot in one long take. The use of steadicams and clever, discreet editing emphasises the feeling of claustrophobia backstage in a theatre.

So…?

With many underlying themes and troubled characters, Birdman is deep and complex, done in a beautifully unique manner. Just like theatre itself it’s strange, cold and harsh. The director chose to shoot and edit in this slick style because in reality life is one take - nothing is edited and something is always around the corner - perhaps a lot more realistic approach to cinema than 3D? Riggan is out of touch with everything; people, reality, his career, even social media and he has to battle Birdman, his alter ego who acts as both the devil on his shoulder and the voice of reason. It could have been hideously pretentious but instead it worked like a treat. And take note The Grand Budapest Hotel – this is how percussion should be used.

Worth the money?

For sure.