Michael Keaton at his best!

Rating: 8/10 (17 February 2015)

I didn't know what to expect from Birdman when i went to see it the first time, but once I sat down and the film started I was absorbed. The story was bizarre from the start as the viewer is shown the fragile state of mind of Riggan Thomson as he prepares to put on his first Broadway play, but is haunted by his former superhero alter ego, the titular Birdman.
As Thomson, Michael Keaton portrays a icily calm demeanor that is about to crack if pushed too far, also displaying the weakness of a man who is trying to relive his glory days. Keaton keeps the emotions to well contained minimum without going over the top and does not overact.
His long suffering daughter, Sam, is expertly handled by the mature talents of Emma Stone. Playing the part of a former drug addict and teenager is not the easiest task, but Stone is fully capable of both. Her pasty complexion and wide gray eyes convey the appearance of a girl haunted by her own issues, but also her father's obsessive behavior to reclaim recognition. The interactions she has with both Keaton and later Edward Norton (as Mike Shiner) convey an adult wisdom flawed by her teenage exterior and poor past choices. A career best performance so far for Miss Stone with more to come.
Amounting a third Academy Award nomination for his performance as self-absorbed narcissistic Method actor Mike Shiner, Edward Norton again proves his knack for being versatile and good at his craft. His jerk-off behavior both endears him to the audience and also repulses the viewer as he mistreats his girlfriend (a brilliant Naomi Watts as Lesley), upstages and is often at odds with Keaton's Riggan which make for the finest scenes in the film between Keaton and Norton and a reflection into his mind and soul with Emma Stone's Sam provide the viewer with insight of a man who behaves immaturely and is insecure in his own confidence.
Cinematography is exquisite and near flawless as it was edited into a single take. The effect provides a Broadway play-like atmosphere that fits the film's action. It is also difficult to follow at times as light and shadow often blur the frame. Music is mainly percussive, played on a drum-set with an occasional string harmony that is almost angelic and bombastic.
An indie film for the ages!