Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

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Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

R

Released Jan 16, 2015

1h 59m

Comedy

Drama

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Popcornmeter

91%

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361 Reviews

78%

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50,000+ Ratings

Former cinema superhero Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) is mounting an ambitious Broadway production that he hopes will breathe new life into his stagnant career. It's risky, but he hopes that his creative gamble will prove that he's a real artist and not just a washed-up movie star. As opening night approaches, a castmate is injured, forcing Riggan to hire an actor (Edward Norton) who is guaranteed to shake things up. Meanwhile, Riggan must deal with his girlfriend, daughter and ex-wife.

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Critics Consensus

A thrilling leap forward for director Alejandro González Iñárritu, Birdman is an ambitious technical showcase powered by a layered story and outstanding performances from Michael Keaton and Edward Norton.

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Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

It's not perfect (it can be exhausting at times, actually), but it says a lot about people, narcissism and the co-dependent relationship between actor and celebrity.

Rated: B+

Sep 1, 2017

Full Review

Jason Bailey

Flavorwire

A thunderbolt reminder of the kind of quick-thinking, quick-talking, quick-witted characters that Keaton used to specialize in, and Iñárritu finds the right style to showcase his gifts.

Jun 18, 2016

Full Review

Nick Schager

Esquire Magazine

Even when Keaton is transforming his character's stock issues into ones that feel unique and genuine, he's undercut by his director's flashiness, right up to an on-the-nose finale.

Feb 22, 2016

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Brendan Cassidy

InSession Film

What Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu was able to achieve in this film is still astounding to me.

Jun 17, 2024

Full Review

Wael Khairy

The Cinephile Fix

...a film that is just as much about the film industry itself, as it is about the pursuit of happiness, and our ridiculously desperate need to be admired, recognized, and respected by people that shouldn’t really matter to us.

Apr 15, 2024

Full Review

Angelos Koutsourakis

PopMatters

If the theater frame story in Birdman plays a self-reflexive role, this is nothing but a manifestation of Hollywood's need to return back to its narrative roots.

Feb 21, 2024

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Dani G

A magnificent technical achievement. Dynamic film with excellent acting. Even though it won the Oscar, I feel it has been underappreciated

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/03/25

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Paul S

This movie was beautifully shot and absolutely compelling from start to end. I definitely recommend it for drama fans!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/28/25

Full Review

Nikoloz T

One of the best performances I have ever seen and the story was just as good.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/03/25

Full Review

EGMR 9

This is a must-watch for anyone interested in pursuing a career in theatre. The performances were all fantastic, and the way the film is presented is just as impressive - it appears as though most of the film was all done in one take, even though it obviously wasn't. At the same time, though, you never notice any of the cuts, so I'll have to give editors Douglas Crise and Stephen Mirrione credit where credit is due. But all that to say, even though it did win Best Picture, I personally thought "The Grand Budapest Hotel" was the better film. This film's great too, though.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/26/25

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James F

Whether you love it, or hate it, you've got to admit - it's pretty damn funny.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/23/25

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Audience Member

A great film with great pacing and fast dialogue. Probably not for everyone, but the concept of a washed-up celebrity trying to regain that prestige with an internal demon represented by a superhero he played in his past is executed wonderfully. Michael Keaton gives his best performance in this movie. If you love him and don't mind a movie with a stranger premise, definitely check this one out.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/01/25

Full Review

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Birdman: Trailer 1

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Birdman: Teaser Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Former cinema superhero Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) is mounting an ambitious Broadway production that he hopes will breathe new life into his stagnant career. It's risky, but he hopes that his creative gamble will prove that he's a real artist and not just a washed-up movie star. As opening night approaches, a castmate is injured, forcing Riggan to hire an actor (Edward Norton) who is guaranteed to shake things up. Meanwhile, Riggan must deal with his girlfriend, daughter and ex-wife.

Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu
Producer: Alejandro González Iñárritu, John Lesher, Arnon Milchan, James W. Skotchdopole
Screenwriter: Alejandro González Iñárritu, Nicolás Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris, Armando Bo
Distributor: Fox Searchlight
Production Co: New Regency Pictures, M Prods, Le Grisbi
Rating: R (Language Throughout|Brief Violence|Some Sexual Content)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 16, 2015, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 1, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $42.3M
Runtime: 1h 59m

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