There are so many reasons to see this film; a self-aware satire with an original and meta story, spectacular cinematography and incredible performances from an all-star cast.

Washed up actor Riggan Thomson (Keaton) who played a blockbuster superhero – Birdman – attempts to reinvent his career and validate himself as a true artist by writing, directing and starring in an off Broadway play. The pressure and tension of the production, the status of celebrity, the Times critic vowing to destroy him before opening night, financial and family issues slowly spiral out of control and push him into a mental breakdown. All the while his alter ego, Birdman, is following him whispering in his ear, pushing him to snap.

Oscar winning cinematographer, Emmanuel Lubezki, and Academy Award nominated director Alejandro González Iñárritu have created this visually spectacular film. Very cleverly, Birdman is shot and edited seamlessly to appear to be filmed in one take which increases the tension and reflects the candidness of the theatre.

The casting is brilliant, swarming with the talent and comedic timing of Emma Stone, Zach Galifianakis and Edward Norton. Michael Keaton reminds us, without a doubt, that he is an incredibly talented artist. He is a front runner for the Best Actor Oscar and, with 5 stars from both Margaret and David in their last ever “At The Movies”, Birdman is this year’s must see film.

You have just had the opportunity to see Michael Keaton as the washed up actor formerly known as Birdman. Now we venture back to where his superhero career really took flight.

From the creative genius of Tim Burton, inspired by the original comic book characters of Bob Kane, comes the electrifying 1989 film, Batman. Keaton portrays mystery man Bruce Wayne, with his tortured, iconic alter ego the crime fighting superhero. Also in the all-star cast is powerhouse Nicholson in an unforgettably dazzling, intense and charismatic portrayal as the homicidal Joker, Batman’s arch nemesis. The supporting cast includes Basinger, as prize-winning photo journalist Vicki Vale and Michael Gough as Alfred, Bruce Wayne’s butler and confidant.

Director Tim Burton set the benchmark for comic book hero films, portraying Gotham City, the world of Batman, as a dark, gothic, highly stylised visual marvel, with extraordinary characters that lit up the screen. This is accompanied by an equally brilliant musical score by Danny Elfman and songs featuring Prince. Batman is an epic roller coaster ride that will leave you breathless, a film that still stands the test of time, as one of cinema’s truly stunningly original and best imagined stories ever to be told on screen.

Generations have seen Batman on screen portrayed by seven different actors. The true fans among you will be able to put tonight’s two films in context and compare these performances with the efforts of Adam West, Val Kilmer, George Clooney and Christian Bale.