Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

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2:44

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

Full Review

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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Benjamin H

With exquisite camerawork, stellar writing and awe-inspiring performances, Birdman is a layered and richly detailed movie that touches on many different themes and emotions while also having admiring character work. There are some tiny issues in terms of flow and how certain scenes connect to one another, but that's it. This film rocks.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/04/25

Full Review

Colt D

This is the most dogshit film I have ever seen

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

05/30/25

Full Review

George G

Brilliant film. Amazing multilayered plot. I have watched this at least 4 times and still find new interpretations of the story. This film enjoyed by the same person multiple times will leave you feeling like you just experienced the latest M. Night Shyamalan thought destroying mind twist every time. From the subtle underlying nods to other films and TV shows to the reference of old school comics and books, I will always pick Birdman to watch if I see it as an option full well knowing I'm in for a good time. This film comes with the double edged sword of either being a familiar comfort watch to pass the time or an intricate sub plot on top of sub plot with an amazingly emotional life lesson hidden underneath, and all you have to do as a viewer is decide how much brain power to put into watching it. The film that does it all and never disappoints time and time again.....Birdman ladies and gentlemen.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/30/25

Full Review

dee b

GOES NOWHERE . TOTALY POINTLESS

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

05/19/25

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Faiz D

Funny, a little sad, yet totally compelling and a remarkable piece of work.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/13/25

Full Review

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

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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