I missed Downton Abbey for this?

Rating: 6/10 (27 January 2015)

I agree with many reviewers that it deserves a 10 for figuring out the impossible logistics of the ultra extended single shot. Gimmicky, yes, but it works. Chapeau to all involved in figuring it out. In the end however, it comes down to being engaged in a story that moves you. I admire that G. In/arritu takes risks (by the way why'd he change his name from Gonzalez In/arritu to just G. In/arritu? What's wrong with Gonzalez? Sounds like his Hollywood agent had a talk with him), but the risks he takes seem too 'Rebuscados' - trying too hard to be cool, different, smart, innovative, meta. Michael Keaton? OK, he's playing a washed up superhero actor who's trying to find meaning again. But it would have worked better if he'd played himself - the superhero should have been Batman not Birdman. I love Emma Stone but that monologue? Rebuscado. Not her fault. It was the writing/directing. Cut the monologue and she deserves the Oscar.