Hitting a little close to home is Michael Keaton’s latest film, Birdman. Based on an aging actor’s life, whose past credits consisted of a sought after superhero franchise, Riggan Thomson is looking to make a dramatic career shift to prove he’s more than his costumed counterpart. You can watch the trailer and check out a handful of hi-res screenshots after the break.

From his ludicrous cameo in Need for Speed to his cartoony, villainous role in the RoboCop, Michael Keaton has had a very colorful 2014. Other than his remarkable role as the voice of Ken in Toy Story 3, Keaton hasn’t really had a role that I can look back on that stands up to his more famous characters of Batman and Beetlejuice. He certainly hit a hot streak back in the ’80s and ’90s, and Birdman may be the spark he needs in this new century.

Having divided critics and audiences alike with such films as Amores Perros, 21 Grams, Biutiful, and Babel, Birdman is definitely an interesting turn in director Alejandro González Iñárritu’s filmography. Everything about this trailer works extraordinarily well. I’m excited to see how this movie plays out based on the fact that it will be depicted as if it was shot in one long take. And include the acting caliber of the cast, Birdman could be on the top of many lists at the end of the year.

(Click on the thumbnails below to enlarge the images)

Here is the official plot synopsis for Birdman, courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures:

Birdman or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance is a black comedy that tells the story of an actor—famous for portraying an iconic superhero—as he struggles to mount a Broadway play. In the days leading up to opening night, he battles his ego and attempts to recover his family, his career, and himself.

Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, Birdman stars Michael Keaton, Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton, Andrea Riseborough, Amy Ryan, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts, and Lindsay Duncan.

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) releases in theaters on October 17, 2014.

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Source: Fox Searchlight Pictures