Overview
Filmed like a play but choreographed like a dance, Birdman is cinematic ballet where the way the story is presented is just as critical to its telling as the story itself. That's because the film features one remarkable, continuous shot that goes for 119 minutes and is called Birdman.
Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) is a washed-up movie star whose career faded into obscurity after turning down the lead in ‘Birdman 3’ (allusions to Keaton’s career post Batmans 1 and 2 are clearly — and gleefully — embraced by all). Thomson has gambled everything on one final shot at restoring his credibility: a Broadway adaptation of a Raymond Carver story that he has singlehandedly adapted, directed and is starring in.
There's a matryoshka doll feeling to it all: the movie, filmed like a play, about the movie star putting on a play. The effect is at once mesmerising and unbalanced, neatly reflecting Thomson’s own tortured subconscious. With a supporting cast including Zach Galifianakis, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts and Edward Norton, Birdman is a tantalisingly original black comedy that belongs on everyone’s must-see list for 2015.
Birdman is in cinemas nationally on January 15. Thanks to Twentieth Century Fox, we're giving away one collectable, money-can’t-buy talking Birdman figurine (only 50 in Australia), along with a Birdman double in-season pass. Ten runners up will also get double in-season passes. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Read our full review here.
Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au
Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au
Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au
