What's not to like about Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) ? Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu (Amores Perros, 21 Grams, Babel and Biutiful), this dark comedy stars Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, Naomi Watts, Andrea Riseborough, Amy Ryan, Emma Stone and Zach Galifianakis.
Great performances come together with a wonderful intertextual spectacle that draws on everything from literary giants (such as Raymond Carver and Shakespeare) to pop culture (actors, actresses and films). With several awards already in the bag and nine Oscar nominations, Birdman has won significant critical acclaim. And rightfully so!
Birdman is a true delight. It's one of the rare films that successfully combines true entertainment with incredible camera work and thought-provoking meaning. Beyond the great acting and visual allure, Birdman can be read on multiple levels. Don't let the synopsis on IMDB discourage you from watching it: "A washed up actor, who once played an iconic superhero, battles his ego and attempts to recover his family, his career and himself in the days leading up to the opening of a Broadway play." The film is anything but boring. A word of warning though: this is not your typical commercial film. It's real cinema at its best.
Our rating: 9 Steps out of 10.
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