Birdman

Riggan Thomson was Birdman, a blockbuster superhero from the '90s. Now he's trying to reinvent himself on Broadway with a stage adaptation of Raymond Carver's work, which he also directs, produces, and stars in. Alejandro González Iñárritu's film is shot to appear as a single continuous sequence over 24 hours of creative chaos, runaway egos, and the relentless voice of Riggan's superhero alter ego. Michael Keaton, who once played Batman, delivers the definitive performance of his late career.

Birdman uses the long take as a metaphor for an ego that can't stop. Michael Keaton is perfect in a role that mirrors his own life. Iñárritu directs with dazzling technical fluency. Edward Norton and Emma Stone steal every scene they're in.