Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
2014, Comedy/Drama, 1h 59m
358 Reviews 50,000+ RatingsWhat to know
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. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
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.
Cast & Crew
Michael Keaton
Riggan
Riggan
Zach Galifianakis
Jake
Jake
Ed Norton
Mike
Mike
Andrea Riseborough
Laura
Laura
Amy Ryan
Sylvia
Sylvia
Emma Stone
Sam
Sam
News & Interviews for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Critic Reviews for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Audience Reviews for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
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Dec 27, 2019I love movies like this that take radical chances with their storytelling techniques. Everything about Alejandro González Iñárritu's Birdman is thrilling: the performances, music and the one-take approach its visuals.Aldo G Super Reviewer
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Jun 06, 2016With 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
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May 10, 2016Michael 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
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Mar 29, 2016Birdman 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
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