Alejandro G. Iñárritu took home several Oscars last month for his terrific film Birdman, and they were all very much deserved.

This movie is about a man risking all he has, and all he is, to give a performance worthy of a true actor and not just that of a celebrity. The film is full of wonderful actors and actresses such as Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, Zach Galifianakis, Emma Stone, and Naomi Watts. This movie, that made far less than its competitors at the box office, dominated the Oscars and successfully delivered its inspiring message. 

Of all the performances in this film, my absolute favorite was Michael Keaton as Riggan. He plays an actor who became famous for playing the super hero Birdman, but has since become irrelevant. To regain his relevance, Riggan decides to adapt, direct and star in a Broadway play. This is the basic plot, but there is much more to Birdman than just this. Throughout the film Riggan, demonstrates abilities that aren’t human, and I found it hard to decide if certain things were actually happening or if  it was all just in Riggan’s head. This blur of reality is part of what makes Birdman so great, and kept the very dialogue heavy film interesting for everyone.

My favorite technical aspect of the movie what the way it was filmed. The whole movie seems like it was filmed in one continuous shot. This is very unusual for a film to do, but it brought something very original to the production, and more than likely helped the director of photography secure the Oscar he won.

The supporting cast was sensational. Edward Norton played his role perfectly. He played Mike, the egotistical Broadway actor who has no problems when he’s on stage, but unlimited problems when he’s off stage. He showed off everything from his character’s flaws to his character’s passions, flawlessly supporting the lead every step of the way. Emma stone played Riggan’s daughter and assistant Sam. She was terrific, and was a prime example of the modern twenty-something-year-old. She gave a performance a lot of young people will be able to relate to.

Birdman was funny, too. The mostly dramatic script had more than enough comedy. I won’t spoil too much, but if you think Michael Keaton running around Broadway in his underwear is funny, then you will laugh at least once through out Birdman.

Birdman is a movie about someone who is in the worst place he could possibly be. It’s about the struggle to matter while also searching for what’s truly important. There is something for everyone in this film, and everyone should see it. If you have the means to see this movie I highly recommend

that you do, there’s something very special about it.