Film: Birdman

GENRE: Comedy/Drama

RATING: R for language, sexual content and violence
RUNTIME: 2 hours

STARRING: Michael Keaton (Batman, Beetlejuice, The Other Guys)

Zach Galifianakis (The Hangovers), Edward Norton (Fight Club)

DIRECTOR: Alejando Gonzalez Inarritu (Babel, 21 Grams)

WRITERS: Inarritu, Nicolas Giacobone & Armando Bo (Biutiful)

Alexander Dinelaris (newcomer)

PLOT: A washed up actor must overcome his ego as he tries to troubleshoot problems surrounding the his Broadway play to reclaim his former glory.

FIVE OBSERVATIONS:

1 One of the coolest things about this film (among many other cool things) is that it seems like the entire movie was done in one shot. The camera brilliantly follows and pans through the winding backstage corridors of the theatre.  No surprise that this is the work of cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, the man behind Gravity, Children of Men and Tree of Life. I am in awe of this guy. Give this man another Oscar.

2 Like the camerawork, the music is relentless in this film. The score is almost constant percussion from Antonio Sanchez. This film is not recommended for those suffering from a hangover.

3 I loved that the story exposed the inner workings of backstage during previews of a Broadway play. I’m sure there were plenty of inside jokes I didn’t get but it sure was a fun ride. I really enjoyed Keaton’s interchange with a critic at a bar.

4 The acting is incredible. Keaton will get a nomination for his tour-de-force performance but so should Norton and Galifiankis. In fact, I believe Zach steals the show. He is awesome in every scene he is in.    

5 The film will make you think. There are some weird moments throughout but that’s the joy of cinema. It’s not for everyone but there are many who will love what they see, and I’m not talking about all the tighty-whitey underwear scenes.

RECOMMENDATION: See in theatre for its Oscar potential
UPCOMING REVIEWS: Interstellar