Wow. A great film. No wonder it’s nominated for so many Oscars. It’s all filmed in one take, which makes it a compelling real-time experience. At the same time, the nature of the ‘real’ is seriously challenged, as the backing-track’s drummer appears in a number of scenes, it’s not clear where the theatre play within the film starts and finishes (on-stage v backstage), and fantastical special effects intrude (many of which may or may not be in the main character’s mind). Michael Keaton, as the lead, represents a fantastic piece of casting, as we watch this story of a once successful Hollywood star becoming old while trying to hold on to fame and relevance. The brash Ed Norton is in a brilliant supporting role, and constantly/competitively keeps threatening (literally) to ‘steal the show’. Definitely recommended. 9 out of 10 from me.