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Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

Play trailer 2:44 Poster for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) R 2015 1h 59m Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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91% Tomatometer 361 Reviews 78% Popcornmeter 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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Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

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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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Critics Reviews

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Candice Frederick Reel Talk Online Sep 1, 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. Go to Full Review Jason Bailey Flavorwire Jun 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. Go to Full Review Nick Schager Esquire Magazine Feb 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. Go to Full Review Matt Oakes Silver Screen Riot Oct 14, 2026
A+
'Birdman' probes both the death of and subsequent resurrection of art in the age of the superhero with a brand of ironic wit and industrial precision that don't often coincide. Go to Full Review Brendan Cassidy InSession Film Jun 17, 2024
What Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu was able to achieve in this film is still astounding to me. Go to Full Review Wael Khairy The Cinephile Fix Apr 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. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Griffith J @griffithxjohnson Oct 14, 2026 Not of my usual taste but honestly one of the most unique & wholly original film that I can’t deny the impact & importance. The cinematography & editing alone are a spectacular feat of filmmaking that is well worth watching for. Pretentiously meta on what makes art successful & worthwhile but opens up some interesting questions on the industry of acting as a whole. Frantic, strange, & unexpectedly dark with its humor that is rewarding if you decide to get onboard with the outlandish premise. Absolutely oozing with cinematic talent but the acting can’t go without mentioning with Keaton & Norton giving deeply layered performances that are just a treat to watch. See more Angel B @selfcareangel Sep 19, 2026 Birdman is such a strange but fascinating movie. The whole one-shot style makes it feel chaotic and almost dreamlike, and Michael Keaton absolutely kills it in the lead role. It’s funny, uncomfortable, and surprisingly deep, especially when it comes to fame, ego, and wanting to feel important. Not a movie for everyone, but if you like something different that gives you a lot to think about, it’s definitely worth watching. See more Robert P @Superbad Sep 13, 2026 Birdman = a 4.0 star Movie! See more Ben B @suikofreak412 Aug 18, 2026 I've watched this multiple times See more Madam D @Madam1948 Aug 18, 2026 One of my favorite offbeat films. Keaton always entertains me, with his mountain of acting skills. Other characters held up their end by a combination of genres. See more Carlos P @RT13589556 Jul 25, 2026 Its an absolute masterpiece. A must see. Sometimes funny, sometimes dark, sometimes weird, but deeply enjoyable. Without spoiling it for you, the film will leave a mark in you, the continuous shots are impressive, the acting is solid, the story is strange and surreal wrapped around a "this could really happen to an actor" story. A+ See more Read all reviews
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

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Cast & Crew

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Alejandro González Iñárritu

Director

Michael Keaton

Riggan

Zach Galifianakis

Jake

Edward Norton

Mike

Andrea Riseborough

Laura

Amy Ryan

Sylvia

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Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

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Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

Michael Keaton as Riggan Thomson in "Birdman." (L-R) Michael Keaton as Riggan Thomson and Edward Norton as Mike Shiner in "Birdman." Zach Galifianakis as Brandon and Michael Keaton as Riggan Thomson in "Birdman." Michael Keaton as Riggan Thomson and Naomi Watts as Lesley in "Birdman." View more photos

Movie Info

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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