Ranking The Films Of Alejandro G. Iñárritu From Worst To Best

Birdman is both a celebration of actors, theatre and the film industry while also being a satire of them. Michael Keaton gives the performance of his career as a suspiciously Michael Keaton-esque washed-up superhero actor who hasn't been relevant in years and finds himself taking a huge career risk when he decides to put on a Broadway play.

He has to juggle his strong-willed daughter (Emma Stone) who is in recovery and an arrogant and narcissistic Edward Norton type of actor... played by Edward Norton. As Keaton struggles to get his play to opening night, he is also dealing with deep psychological issues that manifest themselves in the form of his most recognisable character: Birdman.

Birdman is filmed to appear as if it was done all in one continuous shot which makes for some truly gorgeous cinematography and the soundtrack is predominantly percussion based which gives the film a real rhythm as the camera follows the characters in and around the theatre.

Birdman spends a great deal of time pondering the effects of fame and looking at those that desire it with a critical if honest lens. The philosophical questions Iñárritu poses are fleshed out, however he doesn't dwell on them like he does in films such as Biutiful. Birdman is fun and vibrant and often hilarious. It makes the experience especially enjoyable as well as being impressive. All these components come together beautifully to make one of the best films of the last decade.