Birdman (Or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

If we get 10 better movies than Birdman (Or The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance) this year then it'll be an incredible 2015 for movie fans.

A triumph for artistic cinema it tells the story of a former A-List superhero-playing movie star trying to restore critical credibility by directing his own Broadway play (the fact that most of the film's stars like Michael Keaton, Edward Norton and Emma Stone have had roles in superhero blockbusters being particularly prevalent.)

Expertly shot like a theatre production the entire film plays out almost as one shot; the camera following the leads through the backstage areas of the theatre and out onto the stage.

This works much like Hitchcock's Rope with cuts taking place at choice moments that the screen is filled (such as panning over a character's back for example) but it's difficult to fathom just how it's even possible to create these shots. It truly is a work of art and boggles the brain, anyone who's studied film or tried to shoot something at some point will appreciate the colossal work that has to go in to make something like this work.

Characters walk in and out of scenes and the camera even joins people halfway through speaking on stage; it is a serious feat.

The performances are all virtuoso as well with Keaton resurrecting his career, Norton reminding everyone just how good he is and Zach Galifianakis playing a totally straight role marvellously.

This has to be seen to be believed and whilst director Inarritu overeggs the ending to Peter Jackson lengths (the film could end quite tidily at least three times before it does) it's all a treatise on film, art, the media and this decision is in fact just another pastiche.

The comedy moments are truly laugh out loud (a drummer appearing in the wings late in the movie as the source of the soundtrack is genius) and its knowing nods to other films, actors, critics and its own stars is perfectly self-mocking.

Yes, it's all one massive metaphor but what a work of art.

5 stars *****