• Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)

    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)
87
metacriticBased on 58 Critics
82
Based on 1675 Users

Release Date: October 17th, 2014

R |1 hr 59 min

Plot Summary

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: Michael Keaton, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Norton, Andrea Riseborough, Amy Ryan, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts, Lindsay Duncan

Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu

Genres: Dark comedy , Comedy drama

Production Co: New Regency Pictures, M Prods, Le Grisbi

Distributors: Fox Searchlight

Keywords: Daughter, Girlfriend, 2010s, Charming, Emotional, New York City, Pursuit, Creative

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Ratings & Reviews

  • 100
    Joe MorgensternWall Street Journal

    This pitch-dark comedy, which was directed, con brio, by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, sizzles as the camera circles, stalks and swoops. Emmanuel Lubezki’s friction-free cinematography constitutes a virtuoso turn in its own right in a production that’s strewn with superb performances, some of them loud and bold, others subtle and restrained. show more

  • 100
    Todd McCarthyThe Hollywood Reporter

    The film's exhilarating originality, black comedy and tone that is at once empathetic and acidic will surely strike a strong chord with audiences looking for something fresh that will take them somewhere they haven't been before. show more

  • 100
    Mark AdamsScreen International

    A magnificent and enthralling film that fits into no easy genre bracket, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance) – to give it its full title – is a technical tour de force, a beautifully performed and smartly scripted black comedy that will leave its audience keen to head back for more. show more

See all critic reviews on metacritic.com

Awards

Nominated Supporting Actor
British Academy of Film & Television Arts (2015)
Nominated Leading Actor
British Academy of Film & Television Arts (2015)
Nominated Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Screen Actors Guild Awards (2015)
Winner Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Screen Actors Guild Awards (2015)
Nominated Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Screen Actors Guild Awards (2015)
Nominated Best Performance By an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Golden Globes (2015)
Winner Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Screen Actors Guild Awards (2015)
Nominated Actor in a Supporting Role
Oscars Academy Awards (2014)
Nominated Actor in a Leading Role
Oscars Academy Awards (2014)
Nominated Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical
Golden Globes (2015)
Nominated Actress in a Supporting Role
Oscars Academy Awards (2014)
Nominated Sound Editing
Oscars Academy Awards (2014)
Winner Best Performance By an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
Golden Globes (2015)
Winner Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Screen Actors Guild Awards (2015)
Winner Cinematography
Oscars Academy Awards (2014)
Winner Writing (Original Screenplay)
Oscars Academy Awards (2014)
Nominated Sound
British Academy of Film & Television Arts (2015)
Winner Cinematography
British Academy of Film & Television Arts (2015)
Winner Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Screen Actors Guild Awards (2015)
Nominated Film
British Academy of Film & Television Arts (2015)
Nominated Editing
British Academy of Film & Television Arts (2015)
Winner Best Screenplay - Motion Picture
Golden Globes (2015)
Nominated Original Screenplay
British Academy of Film & Television Arts (2015)
Nominated Director
British Academy of Film & Television Arts (2015)
Nominated Sound Mixing
Oscars Academy Awards (2014)
Winner Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Screen Actors Guild Awards (2015)
Winner Best Picture
Oscars Academy Awards (2014)
Nominated Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Screen Actors Guild Awards (2015)
Nominated Best Performance By an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Golden Globes (2015)
Nominated Supporting Actress
British Academy of Film & Television Arts (2015)
Winner Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Screen Actors Guild Awards (2015)
Nominated Original Music
British Academy of Film & Television Arts (2015)
Nominated Best Director - Motion Picture
Golden Globes (2015)
Nominated Best Original Score - Motion Picture
Golden Globes (2015)
Winner Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Screen Actors Guild Awards (2015)
Winner Directing
Oscars Academy Awards (2014)