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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Frans B

Quick witted, fast paced and thought provoking. Great storyline and directed to a T by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. Birdman will make you think, reflect on similar situations you might have experienced and discover the other side of actors and films. Great cinematography and very intelligently written. Drama, dilemma, intrigue and heartfelt emotions. Very entertaining and gripping

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/09/25

Full Review

Zion A

There's many themes and messages that probably went over my head while watching this but I still loved it The character that Edward Norton plays in this movie is a phenomenal actor, hes an asshole but hes a super good actor, and this just says so many things because its an actor playing an actor, Edward Norton put on an amazing performance in this The directing style of this being shot as one take is incredible, there are no cuts so every scene and every second of what your watching has to be entertaining and it succeeds on that The plot of this movie is a really really good concept too, I know the main selling point of this film is the one take that its filmed as, but even if it had that but a trashy plot it wouldn't be anything, but that's not the case at all, I loved all of the stuff with the theatre The score was SOOOO good, the jazz music was perfect. Great background noise, and when it needed to be intense and suspenseful, it was that Michael Keaton as well, put on an insane performance in this, truly amazing, also great for him agreeing to do this, with the whole themes of a washed up superhero actor Emma Stone and Zach Galifianakis were great as well

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/26/25

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Levon H

The film has a reflective—if not precognitive—purpose for Keaton by signifying the actor’s artistic breakthrough in Birdman after years out of the spotlight.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/24/25

Full Review

Sto C

A delirious man consumed by his desire to be seen, to be understood.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/19/25

Full Review

Stephen C

Success in 1 hour and 59 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated R for Language Throughout, Brief Violence and Some Sexual Content!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $42,300,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/19/25

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Johannes S

The one-take style is really impressive and they pulled it off well. The dialogue and plotline is also very good.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/20/25

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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