A Soaring Achievement

Rating: 9/10 (4 January 2015)

If there's one thing that Birdman proves it's that Michael Keaton can still own a role. This time he is poking fun at the superhero genre and the fact that he has played Batman in the past makes his appearance all the more poignant.
Because of the title's more than obvious hint at a superhero, some of us may be forgiven for thinking that the film concerns one. It doesn't. Instead we get a look at the deteriorating career of an actor, one that coincidentally (?) parallels that of the great Keaton. He plays Riggan who in order to restore his falling reputation (he says he turned down Birdman 4, 20 years ago) he decides to direct, write and star in his adaptation of a play no less, but that does not come without consequences and various people to contend with. As if this wasn't enough to make audiences drool we are treated to a magnificent performance from Edward Norton who appears in due course. He gives everything that he possesses with such powerful acting that it rivals his other performances. I would go as far to say his role in 'Fight Club', which astonished audiences everywhere.
What follows is one of the greatest films of 2014 and in fact the twenty first century. Even actors I had thought incapable of acting on a dramatic level impress me and that you can be sure is saying something. Particularly Zach Galifianakis (known for is role of a buffoon in 'The Hangover' Series) who shows restraint and a sense of control or some at least over Keaton's character, as his lawyer.
The female leads also astonish, namely that of Emma Stone and Naomi Watts – but when have they ever let us down? Stone here is in vast contrast to her role in the 'Spider-Man' series, which was sweet; here she is (dare I say it) bitter with her father, as well as a drug addict and practically uncontrollable. Watts ends up a bit off of the rails, but hey who can blame her?
I don't think that anyone would have liked Edward Norton trying to have a quick shag with you before the main event. But there is always some who wouldn't mind. I feel the need to be brief or as brief as is possible for me. It is literally magic on screen from the acting, to the set design, score, cinematography, humour (every joke finds its mark and will have you grasping the air to still breathe) and oh my script! I don't think that one has been as punchy since Aaron Sorkin's for 'The Social Network'.
Need I say more? This is the first I have heard of Alejandro González Iñárritu but I will be sure to follow him religiously now. Whether you are a casual film-goer or someone who considers themselves a cinephile – just do yourself a favour and see this masterpiece! It is quite possible that you will not feel this way about a film for a very long time!