Solid - Repeated Viewings Needed to judge if it's Amazing

Rating: 8/10 (5 November 2014)

"Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)" tells the story of washed up actor Riggan Thomson, played by Michael Keaton, who in an Art imitating Life Scenario, ala a former "Batman" in Keaton – played the Superhero "Birdman" in a comic-book movie franchise 20 years ago at the time of the film. Thomson is trying to revive his career by writing, directing and starring in a Broadway play, an adaptation of Raymond Carver's short story "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love". In the style of Alfred Hitchcock's "Rope" - The movie appears to be told in one continuous long shot, thanks to some manipulated camera-work and editing. The movie feels like a cinematic version of a play – or more perhaps 2 plays, as you go between characters performing the play based on Carver's story and their real lives. Keaton and Edward Norton, who plays Mike Shiner, an ego driven actor who is a supporting player in Thomson's play, has been getting Oscar Buzz for the performances. They both indeed have moments of greatness in the film, as does Emma Stone, who plays Thomson's daughter' Sam, and Naomi Watts, who plays Thomson's girlfriend Lesley, another actor in the play. Zach Galifianakis is a particularly hoot as Jake, Thomson's Best Friend and Lawyer. There is a good deal of Symbolism going on in the film between the play and the characters' lives, culminating in the last shot of the movie. I enjoyed it, though I am not ready to say it is amazing as others have – at least not on just the first viewing. I may adjust my feelings upon repeat viewings. A Good Solid Movie upon first viewing - 3 ¼ Stars out of 4.