Birdman

A washed up actor tries to rebuild his career by mounting a Broadway play. It doesn't sound like the most gripping plot, but this is in no way the most conventional film. Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu (Babel, Biutiful), this rises above his usual dark and gritty work to become a gripping story and piece of cinematography. For instance, Iñárritu has fastidiously edited the film to give the impression it has been filmed in one continuous shot, creating fantastic character development and real emotional depth.

The film stars Michael Keaton (Batman, Robocop) as Riggan, who is trying to re-enter show business having left his successful role as superhero Birdman behind him. Keaton, who is no stranger to playing masked vigilantes, pulls off the emotionally twisted Riggan beautifully, as we watch him bump heads with his family, cast, crew and even his own psyche.

Iñárritu pulls together other big name actors including Edward Norton (The Incredible Hulk), Emma Stone (Spiderman) and Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover) into a melting pot of black humour, drama and light tragedy. Birdman feels like a superhero film on drugs; once you think you have the hang of it, it rapidly changes direction, catching the audience off guard. It’s one of those films that’s impossible to describe to your friends; superficially it sounds rather grey, hammy and simplistic but just sit down to watch it and the whole film opens up in front of you in a cacophony of sound and colour.

Harry Austin