Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is a 2014 American black comedy-drama film directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu. The film stars Michael Keaton as a washed-up actor who once played an iconic superhero and is now struggling to mount a Broadway play. The movie explores the actor's battle with his ego and his attempts to recover his family, career, and himself in the days leading up to the play's opening night. The film also features supporting performances by Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton, Andrea Riseborough, Amy Ryan, Emma Stone, and Naomi Watts.
The film received critical acclaim and was listed on many critics' top ten lists. Michael Keaton's performance in the film earned him his first Golden Globe Award, winning for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the 72nd Golden Globe Awards. The film also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay.
Plot
In Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014), the film follows the story of Riggan Thomson (played by Michael Keaton), a washed-up superhero actor who attempts to revive his fading career by writing, directing, and starring in a Broadway production. The play is an adaptation of the short story "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love". As Riggan struggles with his past and the internal voice of his past self as Birdman, he visualizes himself performing feats of levitation and other superheroic abilities. The film explores themes of redemption, reinvention, and the power of art to transform one's life.
Full Cast
- Michael Keaton as Riggan Thomson
- Emma Stone as Sam
- Alfred Molina as Mike Shiner
- Amy Ryan as Claire
- Zach Galifianakis as Donald
- Ritchie Coster as Burgher
- Rip Torn as Nate
- Rene Russo as Laila
- RJ Foster as Jack
- Raphaela Phrao as Leo
- RJ Miner as Doyle
- RJ Macready as Manny
- J.R. Horne as Man in Chair
- Randy Havard as Man with Dog
- Renee Zahler as Girl with Dog
- RJ Tank as Man with Skis
Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu
Producer: Alejandro González Iñárritu, John Lesher, Arnon Milchan, James W. Skotchdopole
Writer: Alejandro González Iñárritu, Nicolás Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris, Armando Bo
Box Office Gross: $103,215,094
Distributor: Fox Searchlight
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 16, 2015
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 1, 2016
Themes
The film explores various themes, including:
- Redemption and reinvention
- The power of art and creativity
- Overcoming personal demons and past mistakes
- The struggle for relevance in a changing industry
- The relationship between art and life
Reception
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) received critical acclaim for its poignant script, outstanding performances, and thrilling direction. The film was particularly praised for its layered story and the exceptional performances of its cast members, including Michael Keaton's career-resurrecting role as Riggan Thomson.
Settings
The film primarily takes place in [New York City](@leoglossary/leoglossary-new-york-city0, with interior shots of the St. James Theater. Other locations include a dressing room, a rooftop, and a hospital.
Visual Styles
The film features a unique visual style, with impressive cinematography and bold direction from Alejandro G. Iñárritu. The movie is known for its thrilling leap forward for director Alejandro González Iñarritu, who put his heart and soul into the project.
Techniques
The film employs various techniques, including a percussive and propulsive score, and a blend of quiet conversations and magical-realism flights of fancy. The movie's plot and structure are considered brilliant, and the overall result is a compelling piece of cinematic storytelling.
Trivia and Fun Facts
- The film is a collaboration between director Alejandro G. Iñárritu and cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, who won an Oscar for their work on the film.
- The movie has been praised for its satirical yet sweet take on the entertainment industry and the struggle for relevance in a changing world.
- The film's title, "Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)," reflects the duality of the main character's past as a superhero and his current struggles as a washed-up actor trying to reinvent himself.