How Did They Do That?

Rating: 10/10 (22 March 2017)

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) follows a washed up Hollywood actor who ends up in Broadway, writing, directing and acting in a play, all the while dealing with his family problems and his deteriorating mental state.
Michael Keaton gives an amazing performance here. He sells himself to this character 100%, and it pays off beautifully. He really gives off the impression that he as a person is where his character is at. As for the supporting cast, Emma Stone is fantastic, though I wish she was in the movie a little more. Edward Norton is similar to Keaton, as in he's fantastic. While he isn't quite as good, he's still stunning to watch. His performance here is Oscar-worthy, no doubt. Zach Galifianakis and Naomi Watts both give great performances here too. Everyone is great, let's just leave it at that.
The writing is fantastic. The characters are authentic and interesting, and the way the plot progresses is just the same. It's exactly where it should have been, and there's no better way this movie could've gone.
And of course the directing is outstanding. There are so many moments of 'how did they do that?' How is it that Alejandro G. Iñárritu pulled off each of these shots? And where would you make a cut? I had so many questions, but they were more in awe than in frustration.
The soundtrack is great. It's largely composed of drums, and it's a pleasure to listen to. And still it doesn't end there. The soundtrack is used at specific points to show what's going on in the main character's head. It's used to further represent and give the audience an idea of where he is mentally speaking.
Overall Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is stunning. It's a combination of great acting, great writing, great directing, and a great soundtrack bunched up together into one giant ball of perfection. In the end I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this wonderful piece of art.