Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

2014Movie120 minEnglish

A fading actor best known for his portrayal of a popular superhero attempts to mount a comeback by appearing in a Broadway play. As opening night approaches, his attempts to become more altruistic, rebuild his career, and reconnect with friends and family prove more difficult than expected.

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Insights

IMDb7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes91%
Metacritic88
Google Users85%
Director: Alejandro G. IñárrituGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

A washed-up actor, famous for playing a superhero, struggles to revive his career by mounting a Broadway play. As opening night approaches, he battles his ego, his family, and his past persona, all while navigating the chaotic world of theater and his own deteriorating sanity. The film blurs the lines between reality and imagination as he grapples with his quest for artistic legitimacy.

Critical Reception

Birdman was met with widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its unique visual style, direction, and performances. It was praised for its ambitious narrative and technical achievements, earning numerous accolades and becoming a major awards contender.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its innovative cinematography and single-take illusion.
  • Michael Keaton's performance as a fading star was widely lauded.
  • The film's existential themes and dark humor resonated with critics.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's artistic merit, impressive technical execution, and Michael Keaton's compelling performance. Many enjoyed its unique narrative style and the exploration of themes like fame and artistic integrity.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Cinematography. It also received nominations for Best Actor (Michael Keaton), Best Supporting Actor (Edward Norton), and Best Supporting Actress (Emma Stone), among others.

Fun Fact

Director Alejandro G. Iñárritu wanted the film to feel like one continuous shot, so the editing is meticulously hidden. Several scenes were shot with different takes and then stitched together seamlessly to create the illusion of a single, unbroken take.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

5 reviews
Peter McGinn

Peter McGinn

I was drawn to watch this film for a couple of reasons. One, basically, was Michael Keaton. Overall I find movies are worth a look when he is in it. Also there is the play within a play, the stage production his character is doing, based o...
Matthew Brady

Matthew Brady

"I'm nothing. I'm not even here." The story to Birdman is about an wash up actor (Michael Keaton) - famous for portraying an iconic superhero - as he struggles to mount a Broadway play. In the days leading up to opening night, he battles...
mattwilde123

mattwilde123

This film tells the story of an over-the-hill actor called Riggan Thomson (brilliantly portrayed by Michael Keaton) who was once the star of a superhero blockbuster franchise known as 'Birdman'. We are shown his journey into making a Broadw...
Dean

Dean

First of all, let me say, I like most of movies where Naomi Watts plays & thought this one would be good too, after all it has high ratings, but don't be fooled by famous actors which play in this movie. Don't be fooled & think that movie i...
tmdb39513728

tmdb39513728

**mounting spontaneity** or (dumb luck) It's not fair. I love Raymond Carver, long takes, theatre, Batman, NYC rooftops and alleyways, the blending layers of self-referential fiction, delirious fantasy, the creative process, the insan...