Birdman

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.

91%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 342

77%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 92,704
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Movie Info

BIRDMAN or The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance is a black comedy that tells the story of an 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 his ego and attempts to recover his family, his career, and himself. (c) Fox Searchlight

Cast

Michael Keaton
as Riggan
Edward Norton
as Mike
Zach Galifianakis
as Jake
Emma Stone
as Sam
Lindsay Duncan
as Tabitha
Andrea Riseborough
as Laura
Amy Ryan
as Sylvia
Naomi Watts
as Lesley
Kenny Chin
as Korean Grocer
Jamahl Garrison-Lowe
as Daniel (Stagehand)
Jeremy Shamos
as Ralph
Katherine O'Sullivan
as Costume Assistant
Damian Young
as Gabriel
Keenan Shimizu
as Han
Akira Ito
as Translator
Natalie Gold
as Clara
Merritt Wever
as Annie
Michael Siberry
as Larry
Clark Middleton
as Sydney
William Youmans
as Bartender (Tommy)
Paula Pell
as Lady in Bar
David Fierro
as Man in Bar
Hudson Flynn
as Kid in Bar (Billy)
Kelly Lynn Warren
as Dresser
Joel Garland
as Stagehand
Brent Bateman
as Broadway Tourist
Donna Lynne Champlin
as Broadway Lady
Valentino Musumeci
as Broadway Kids
Taylor Schwencke
as Broadway Kids
Craig muMs Grant
as Broadway Man on Street
Kyle Knauf
as Annoying Times Square Guy
Dave Neal
as Annoying Times Squares Guy
Kelly Southerland
as Annoying Times Squares Guy
Roberta Colindrez
as Broadway Woman on Street
Catherine Peppers
as Cashier
Frank Ridley
as Mr. Roth
Janis Corsair
as Female Usher
Rakesh G. Shaw
as Liquor Store Owner
Bill Camp
as Crazy Man
Malachi Weir
as Guy in Window
Jackie Hoffman
as Lady on Balcony (Mary)
Stephen Adly Guirgis
as Good Neighbor
Glenn Wein
as Young Male Usher
Ebrahim Abe Jaffer
as Cab Driver
Nicolas Rain Noe
as Intermission Woman
Susan Blackwell
as Intermission Woman
Anna Hardwick
as Blonde Reporter
Dusan Dukic
as Newscaster
Helena-Alexis Seymour
as Newscaster
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Critic Reviews for Birdman

All Critics (342) | Top Critics (61) | Fresh (312) | Rotten (30)

  • Birdman is a one-trick pony of a movie, but what a trick. The technical achievement alone is immense.

    Jan 16, 2015 | Rating: 4.5/5 | Full Review…

    Paul Byrnes

    Sydney Morning Herald
    Top Critic

  • Birdman, more than most, seems a film that deserves a second viewing, not only to admire the work of Keaton and his co-stars, but to delve into its many layers.

    Jan 2, 2015 | Full Review…

    Jocelyn Noveck

    Associated Press
    Top Critic

  • It's a quasi-religious fable about a man haunted by the past and facing a profound moral and existential crisis in the present, and it's a dazzling display of virtuoso cinematic technique and showboat performances.

    Jan 2, 2015 | Full Review…

    Andrew O'Hehir

    Salon.com
    Top Critic

  • The characters in Birdman don't always find redemption, but Iñárritu's faith in people has never felt more real.

    Jan 2, 2015 | Full Review…

    Adam Woodward

    Little White Lies
    Top Critic

  • This is a strange and beautiful and unique film, one of the best movies of the year.

    Jan 2, 2015 | Rating: 4/4

    Richard Roeper

    Chicago Sun-Times
    Top Critic

  • The reason this scalding industry satire works as well as it does is because it has a grounding in some fairly uncomfortable truths about the movie business even as the plot indulges in flights -- literally -- of fancy.

    Jan 2, 2015 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

    Wendy Ide

    Times (UK)
    Top Critic
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Audience Reviews for Birdman

  • Jun 06, 2016
    With a poignant script and a realm of outstanding performances from all casts members alike, held together by a thrilling direction, Birdman is a competent movie in any cinematic aspect, being one of those rare independents films that are capable of becoming a crowd pleaser, with its themes easily approchable by anyone who dares to enjoy them, easily being most ambitious work yet by talented director Alejandro González Iñarritu.
    Filipe P Super Reviewer
  • May 10, 2016
    Michael Keaton delivers a career resurrecting, layered performance as a washed-up superhero movie star trying to reinvent himself. We are presented with some impressive cinematography, and bold direction from Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Birdman works on every level as an impressive piece of cinematic storytelling.
    Gage P Super Reviewer
  • Mar 29, 2016
    Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is not only the best film of 2014, but one of the best films ever. PERIOD! This movie is masterfully directed by the incredibly talented Alejandro G. Iñárritu who puts his heart and soul into everything he does. The brilliance of the movie's plot and structure can only be surpassed by the brilliance of the actors in the movie. Michael Keaton gives the performance of his career as the ambitious Riggan Thompson who is desperate to leave a legacy that doesn't include a birdmask and a weird spandex costume. Edward Norton plays ... well, himself, basically, but he does that in the most wonderful way you can possibly imagine. The cinematography is off the chain as the movie continues for many different sections without making a single cut. The beautifully crafted poetry that is this movie definitely deserves all the accolades that it got and even more to it.
    Lasse G Super Reviewer
  • Mar 11, 2016
    Birdman reminds me of how awesome film is! Film is important (if done right) it shouldn't be treated as something just to pass the time, it should be treated as something part of life and Birdman excellently proves that. Michael Keaton's performance is powerful and you feel for him, Edward Norton is awesome as usual and so was the rest of the cast. It pokes fun at movie cliches, film critics as well as the actors themselves! Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu has proved once again that he is one of the best directors working today and Birdman is one of the best films I have ever seen!
    Mr N Super Reviewer
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