One take? This genius illusion allows Birdman an unexpected element of excitement while taking us frantically and humorously through the narrow halls of (and crowded streets outside) an old off Broadway theater.

Michael Keaton’s Riggan Thompson is self-deprecating and hilarious while trying to regain his relevance. In a brilliant full circle move by Inarritu, Riggan’s superhero alter ego is voiced by Keaton’s Batman.

Ed Norton channels his defining role as Worm from Rounders with his quick wit, fast dialogue and arrogance; darn near stealing the film.

In the season of the biopic, it is refreshing to have such a creative original screenplay. Wonderfully cast with only one exception, the working title should be, “The Unexpected Film of Awesomeness in Spite of Emma Stone”.

I swoop in with 4 heroic napkins out of 5 for Birdman.