Weird, but a must for lovers of cinema

Rating: 8/10 (16 January 2015)

Riggan Thomson is an actor whose big moment was as superhero Birdman in 3 movies 20 years ago. He is hoping to establish some late-career acting bona-fides by writing, directing and starring in a self-financed Broadway adaptation of a cult novel. Opening night is soon, things are not going well, and a late cast substitution brings in Mike, enormously talented but somewhat dangerous. Then factor in Riggan's daughter Sam, still smouldering with childhood resentments, acting as his assistant, developments in relationships with other cast members, concerns over what the most influential Broadway critic will say, and Riggan's own ongoing dialogue with the Birdman character he resents.
This is possibly the most odd film I have ever tried to write a review for. The synopsis above presents a relatively straightforward linear dramatic narrative about theatrical goings-on. But the narrative is possibly the least significant element of the film: far more important is the way the narrative is presented, which is effectively one continuous take stretching over several days (with some tricks such as time lapse to move time along). Director Alejandro Inarritu's camera is constantly moving, always gracefully, and is blessed with some phenomenal edits and unnoticeable digital transitions – the special effects here are nothing short of miraculous, yet hardly noticeable.
The film is described as a comedy: it certainly isn't, despite some amusing moments. That is (arguably) part of the problem: it doesn't conveniently fit into any sort of category, not least because it is largely an exercise in pure cinema rather than a story.
The performances are all very good: I didn't feel Oscar calling, though.
I have seen it called pretentious. There are those who love it. But it is possible to admire it without necessarily liking it very much, and some may find it utterly bewildering. All of these are absolutely valid reactions to it, and I felt all of them at different times as the movie progressed. But the one thing I can say with certainty is that it is completely original, and anyone with a love of cinema should experience it.