A fading actor best known for his portrayal of a popular superhero attempts to mount a comeback by appearing in a Broadway play. As opening night approaches, his attempts to become more altruistic, rebuild his career, and reconnect with friends and family prove more difficult than expected.
Whether or not Riggan is in fact possessed of divine abilities-Inarritu offers contradictory clues along the way-Birdman puts on clear display the indisputable superpowers of its cinematographer, Emmanuel Lubezki.
– Christopher Orr,
The Atlantic,
24 Oct 2014
fresh:
Birdman takes advantage of every facet of Keaton's talent, from his knack for absurdist comedy to his seemingly effortless ability to tap into graceful profundity without making a big show of it.
– Rene Rodriguez,
Miami Herald,
30 Oct 2014
fresh:
This is a strange and beautiful and unique film, one of the best movies of the year.
– Richard Roeper,
Chicago Sun-Times,
2 Jan 2015
fresh:
It's a quasi-religious fable about a man haunted by the past and facing a profound moral and existential crisis in the present, and it's a dazzling display of virtuoso cinematic technique and showboat performances.
– Andrew O'Hehir,
Salon.com,
2 Jan 2015
fresh:
Birdman, more than most, seems a film that deserves a second viewing, not only to admire the work of Keaton and his co-stars, but to delve into its many layers.