Fly into the brilliantly original world of Birdman.

Rating: 9/10 (4 January 2015)

It's not very often I leave the cinema with a huge smile on my face. On one of my no drinking days - I simply had to go for a beer with my friend to chat through one of most original films I have seen in years. Birdman see's Michael Keaton star as a washed up actor who once played the world famous Birdman - a super hero, that in the 90's was a huge box office hit. Sound familiar?
Keaton's character Riggan​ is in the process of writing and starring in a new play to try and establish himself as a credible actor. Riggan though is plagued with personal issues, His wife has left him, his daughter is full of resentment for him after never being there for her and worst of all he is convinced that he actually has super powers.
​The film opens with a long tracking shot that sweeps around each character, after 5 minutes you realise that this is going to be the style for the whole film and cuts are disguised by tracking down a dark corridor or bright light. It works beautifully, you feel like you are right in amongst the action and connect with each character as the camera roams around the three or four locations the film is set in. ​ Overall the film is definitely one of the most intriguing, original and wonderfully acted films I have seen for a long while. Keaton is at his best as this self obsessed, depressed yet still likable character and is complimented by a fine comedic performance from Ed Norton.
The film is accompanied by a rather strange yet perfect soundtrack which is mainly percussion based. There are even moments when a random drummer is playing part of the soundtrack in the street! Original films are hard to find and this is possibly the most original and intriguing film I have seen since Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless mind. It's funny, a little sad, yet totally compelling and a must watch.