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IMDbPro

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

  • 20142014
  • RR
  • 1h 59m
IMDb RATING
7.7/10
620K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
1,340
99
Edward Norton, Zach Galifianakis, Amy Ryan, Naomi Watts, Emma Stone, and Andrea Riseborough in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
A washed-up actor who once played an iconic superhero must overcome his ego and family trouble as he mounts a Broadway play in a bid to reclaim his past glory.
Play trailer2:53
14 Videos
99+ Photos
  • Comedy
  • Drama
A washed-up superhero actor attempts to revive his fading career by writing, directing, and starring in a Broadway production.A washed-up superhero actor attempts to revive his fading career by writing, directing, and starring in a Broadway production.A washed-up superhero actor attempts to revive his fading career by writing, directing, and starring in a Broadway production.
IMDb RATING
7.7/10
620K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
1,340
99
  • Director
    • Alejandro G. Iñárritu
  • Writers
    • Alejandro G. Iñárritu
    • Nicolás Giacobone
    • Alexander Dinelaris
  • Stars
    • Michael Keaton
    • Zach Galifianakis
    • Edward Norton
Top credits
  • Director
    • Alejandro G. Iñárritu
  • Writers
    • Alejandro G. Iñárritu
    • Nicolás Giacobone
    • Alexander Dinelaris
  • Stars
    • Michael Keaton
    • Zach Galifianakis
    • Edward Norton
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 1.4KUser reviews
    • 628Critic reviews
    • 87Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Won 4 Oscars
      • 193 wins & 292 nominations total

    Videos14

    International Trailer
    Trailer 2:53
    International Trailer
    Official Trailer
    Trailer 1:47
    Official Trailer
    Clip
    Clip 1:20
    Clip
    Birdman
    Clip 1:26
    Birdman
    Birdman
    Clip 1:25
    Birdman
    Birdman
    Clip 1:08
    Birdman
    Birdman
    Clip 1:38
    Birdman
    Exclusive Featurette
    Featurette 3:24
    Exclusive Featurette
    Birdman
    Featurette 2:15
    Birdman
    Birdman
    Featurette 2:24
    Birdman
    What Roles Has Emma Stone Turned Down?
    Full Episode 3:13
    What Roles Has Emma Stone Turned Down?
    Which Roles Did Margot Robbie Turn Down?
    Video 2:57
    Which Roles Did Margot Robbie Turn Down?

    Photos225

    Michael Keaton in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
    Emma Stone in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
    Michael Keaton and Amy Ryan in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
    Naomi Watts in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
    Edward Norton in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
    Zach Galifianakis in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
    Michael Keaton in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
    Edward Norton and Emma Stone in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
    Michael Keaton and Edward Norton in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
    Edward Norton and Emma Stone in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
    Michael Keaton and Amy Ryan in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
    Michael Keaton and Edward Norton in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Michael Keaton
    Michael Keaton
    • Rigganas Riggan
    Zach Galifianakis
    Zach Galifianakis
    • Jakeas Jake
    Edward Norton
    Edward Norton
    • Mikeas Mike
    Andrea Riseborough
    Andrea Riseborough
    • Lauraas Laura
    Emma Stone
    Emma Stone
    • Samas Sam
    Kenny Chin
    Kenny Chin
    • Korean Groceras Korean Grocer
    Jamahl Garrison-Lowe
    Jamahl Garrison-Lowe
    • Stagehand (Daniel)as Stagehand (Daniel)
    Naomi Watts
    Naomi Watts
    • Lesleyas Lesley
    Jeremy Shamos
    Jeremy Shamos
    • Ralphas Ralph
    Katherine O'Sullivan
    Katherine O'Sullivan
    • Costume Assistantas Costume Assistant
    Damian Young
    Damian Young
    • Gabrielas Gabriel
    Keenan Shimizu
    • Hanas Han
    Akira Ito
    • Translatoras Translator
    Natalie Gold
    Natalie Gold
    • Claraas Clara
    Merritt Wever
    Merritt Wever
    • Annieas Annie
    Michael Siberry
    Michael Siberry
    • Larryas Larry
    Clark Middleton
    Clark Middleton
    • Sydneyas Sydney
    Amy Ryan
    Amy Ryan
    • Sylviaas Sylvia
    • Director
      • Alejandro G. Iñárritu
    • Writers
      • Alejandro G. Iñárritu
      • Nicolás Giacobone
      • Alexander Dinelaris
    • All cast & crew
    • See more cast details at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Because the movie was carefully rehearsed and shot in sequence, editing only took two weeks.
    • Goofs
      When Riggan goes back to the theater after a drunk night out, right after he's touching ground beneath his feet again, there can a couple be seen walking from the left side of the frame to the right, away from the camera (we can only see them from behind). When Riggan passes the couple the right man can be seen making a very sudden quick (and very unnatural looking) hand-movement in direction to Riggan's back. This movement might have been necessary to detach the cables from Michael Keaton's back that he needed to be attached to for the flying scene.
    • Quotes

      Mike Shiner: Popularity is the slutty little cousin of prestige.

    • Crazy credits
      Begin and end credits are presented in a peculiar style with the rhythm of the drums
    • Alternate versions
      Sundance TV recently released an edited version which removes the swearing and crops the scene featuring Edward Norton's butt so it is not shown.
    • Connections
      Featured in The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: Zach Galifianakis/Casey Wilson/Andrew Orvedahl (2014)
    • Soundtracks
      Birdman Blind Melody
      Composed by Joan Valent

    User reviews1.4K

    Review
    Top review
    9/10
    Génial!
    Great opening at the Venice Film Festival with this must-see movie. The story of an actor persecuted by the role that made him popular, "Birdman", and pressured by the willing of proving himself on stage with his new play.

    The characters in the story are all struggling with something: Sam (Emma Stone) with her drug addiction, Mike (Edward Norton) with his sexual problems, Lesley (Naomi Watts) with her self- realization and Michael Keaton with love. What kind of love is he lacking? Is it admiration for his work? The same admiration that chained him to Bridman, who is probably the only one capable of saving him.

    The cinematography reminds of that used in Hitchcock's "Rope": it seems to be filmed consequently. The originality of the cinematography, though, may have sacrificed the storyline.

    "Birdman" certainly needs to be seen more than one, but likewise certainly it's going to be one of the greatest movies of the year
    helpful•253
    247
    • letig1994
    • Aug 28, 2014

    FAQ3

    • What does "The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance" mean? Why is it the movie's secondary title?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 14, 2014 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Fox Searchlight (United States)
      • Official site (Japan)
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Birdman
    • Filming locations
      • Rum House, Hotel Edison, 228W, 47th Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA
    • Production companies
      • New Regency Productions
      • M Productions
      • Grisbi Productions, Le
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $18,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $42,340,598
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $424,397
      • Oct 19, 2014
    • Gross worldwide
      • $103,215,094
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 59 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
      • Datasat
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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