Review of Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014) by Scarlet S — 29 Dec 2016

Birdman is the kind of film I can watch again and again, with each viewing lending a new appreciation for some small detail; a camera angle, a seemingly throwaway line, a drum beat. Keaton's performance as the washed up yet hopeful Riggan is absolutely mesmerising, with a supporting cast of actors each equally fascinating in turn.

The colour palette and soundscape of this film work in perfect harmony with the long, lilting sequences, evoking a dreamy quality that, far from becoming tiresome, wraps you up in it's quiet grandeur.

Ultimately, I feel this is a tale of martyrdom - the pain of giving all you have to your craft, and life taking whatever is left.