As surreal as it is cinematically impressive

Rating: 8/10 (25 February 2019)

Birdman is artistically novel in its use of a "single" take: the first 15-20 minutes is one continuous shot, weaving through the fuddled depths of backstage theatre between cast and crew. The colours throughout are key to these shots not becoming tiresome - bright neons and glowing warm lights bathe the set, emphasising the emotions felt in each scene. Perhaps my favourite part of the film, however, is the seamless interlinking of both scenes and music. More than once, the near constant drumming accentuates scenes so well, along with the amazing orchestration of movement in and out of the theatre itself.
As for the cast, you couldn't ask for much more - Keaton is great as a slightly haywire actor on the brink (with his alter ego muttering alongside him), but Norton shows his true ability by nailing the range of an aggressive, temperamental but caring theatre journeyman devoted to his work above all else. Stone, Galifianakis and Riseborough also lend their talents well.
Birdman is worth watching purely to admire the feat of stringing these long takes together: however, a worthwhile plot and intriguing development also gives this film an edge not seen often in cinema today.