Review of Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014) by Joseph C — 26 Jul 2015

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's magnificent surrealistic black comedy that concerns a washed up actor named Riggan Thomson, played brilliantly by Michael Keaton, in a grand career comeback, which earned him an Academy Award nomination, and a Golden Globe Award win for Best Actor, he is famous for portraying an iconic superhero called "Birdman" some 25 year ago.

In a bid to make a comeback, he struggles to mount a Broadway play which he has written and directed. In the days leading up to opening night, he battles with his lunatic Method actor co-star, played to flamboyant perfection by Edward Norton, who earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor here, and his obstinate daughter, marvelously played by Emma Stone, who recieved an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, and the persistent presence of his "Birdman" alter ego, which at moments throughout the film suggest that he may be losing his grip on reality.

Masterful direction by Inarritu, with superlative supporting performances by Naomi Watts, Zach Galifianakis, Jeremy Shamos, and Andrea Riseborough, but its Michael Keaton's towering turn that totally dominates this howlingly funny motion picture.

There is an extraordinary script by Inarritu, Nicolas Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris, Amando Bo, and stunning cinematography by Emmanuel Lubezki. Antonio Sanchez' musical score is terrific. A phenomenal cinematic triumphant, and one of the year's finest films.

Winner of 4 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Best Original Screenplay: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Best Cinematography: Emmanuel Lubezki. Highly Recommended.