Birdman generates reviews, nomination chirps for Keaton

Oscar nominations are three months away, but Birdman is already generating rave reviews and awards buzz for actor Michael Keaton, who delivers the performance of his career 20 years after Batman.

A black comedy mixed with magical realism, Birdman tells the story of Riggan Thomson, a washed-up superhero movie star desperate to revive his flagging career by directing and starring in his own Broadway adaptation.

Along the way, he grapples with his daughter, who's fresh from rehab and working as his assistant, played by Emma Stone; his mistress and co-star played by Andrea Riseborough; ex-wife Amy Ryan and a hard-drinking, troublesome actor played by Edward Norton.