Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

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2:44

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

R

2015

1h 59m

Comedy

Drama

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Popcornmeter

91%

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359 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

09/01/2017

B+

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.

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Jason Bailey

Flavorwire

06/18/2016

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.

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Nick Schager

Esquire Magazine

02/22/2016

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.

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Brendan Cassidy

InSession Film

06/17/2024

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

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Wael Khairy

The Cinephile Fix

04/15/2024

...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.

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Angelos Koutsourakis

PopMatters

02/21/2024

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.

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John F

@RT84127024 5h

An ode to the theater. A bit much to take in and probably deserves a second viewing.

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av 8

@anagha.vinay May 18

I have not watched another movie of this kind—it is different and stunning. Despite its repetitive shots, especially of the play, everything felt so distinct with a life of its own. This movie tells absolutely no story, but it does far more for the crowd. The cinematography was unfolding on its own with a unique magic, from the lights to the angles to the colours. Michael Keaton, Emma Stone and Edward Norton were impeccable, though their characters—incredibly complex and not exactly amiable. I was shook by the taxi scene, because taxis run on the ground and stay grounded. It was not an easy watch, but once I did ease into it, it was a brilliant one. This is one of the most thought-provoking endings I have witnessed in a while. The Birdman keeps calling, the question is, whether he will defy or obey gravity.

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Levi J

@Lev77 Apr 12

A one-of-a-kind, interesting, creative, provocative masterpiece from Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu!!! A fabulous cast, ingenious screenplay, and masterful cinematography

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Thyaagu C

@Thyaagu Apr 10

Thought-provoking banger! Smart, sharp, and deeply engaging. Keaton and Norton are unreal here. Emma Stone shines bright even in her limited moments. Every character is written well and executed to perfection.

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Justin K.

@bootsyandbbyratemoofies27 Mar 20

Unique. Shouldn’t have won best picture - but still, worth a watch.

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Daniel Z

@Daniell2 Feb 1

Here not a single performance falters.

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Birdman: 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