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Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) streaming

2014 Movie United States Drama, Comedy 120 min Ages 15+
By: Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Alejandro González Iñárritu With: Michael Keaton, Naomi Watts, Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton, Emma Stone

Actor Riggan Thomson is most famous for his movie role from over twenty years ago of the comic book superhero Birdman in the blockbuster movie of the same name and its two equally popular sequels. His association with the role took over his life, where Birdman is more renowned than "Riggan Thomson" the actor. Now past middle age, Riggan is trying to establish himself as a true artist by writing, directing, starring in and co-producing with his best friend Jake what is his Broadway debut, an adaptation of Raymond Carver's story, What We Talk About When We Talk About Love. He is staking his name, what little artistic reputation that comes with that name and his life savings on the project, and as such will do anything needed to make the play a success. As he and Jake go through the process of the previews toward opening night, Riggan runs into several issues: needing to find a replacement for the integral supporting male role the night before the first preview; hiring the talented Broadway name, Mike Shiner, for that role, Mike who ends up being difficult to work with and who may end up overshadowing Riggan in the play; having to deal potentially with a lawsuit based on one of his actions to ensure success; needing to be there for his daughter, Sam, who he has hired to be his production assistant and who has just come out of drug rehab; and pleasing the New York Times critic, Tabitha Dickinson, who wants to use any excuse to give the play a scathing review which in turn would close the show after the opening night performance. But Riggan's biggest problem may be his own insecurities, which are manifested by him constantly hearing what he believes to be the truth from the voice of his Birdman character, who he often battles both internally and externally.

Filmium rating
77%

Mood

Dark
Humorous
Introspective
Reflective
Thoughtful

Cast & Crew

Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Alejandro González Iñárritu
Alexander Dinelaris
Nicolás Giacobone
Michael Keaton
Naomi Watts
Andrea Riseborough
Amy Ryan
Emma Stone
Edward Norton
Zach Galifianakis
Emmanuel Lubezki

Adaptation

Raymond Carver
Theatre Adaptation

Budget

Mid-Budget

Cinematic Technique

Continuous Shot
Immersive
Immersive Camerawork
Long Take
Long Takes
Real-Time
Single Shot
Steadicam

Narrative Structure

Meta-Narrative
Non-Linear
Nonlinear
Play Within A Film
Psychological
Theatrical

Pace

Deliberate
Fast-Paced
Immersive
Intense
Rhythmic
Slow-Paced
Urgent

Soundtrack

Classical Music
Drum Score
Jazz Percussion

Style

Black Comedy
Cinematic
Immersive
Naturalistic
Single-Shot
Stylized

Time-Period

2010S
Contemporary

Central Conflict

Art Vs. Commerce
Art Vs. Fame
Artistic Integrity
Identity Crisis
Identity Struggle
Internal Conflict
Mental Health
Self-Doubt

Characters

Actor
Critic
Fading Actor
Playwright
Superhero

Ending

Ambiguous
Self-Acceptance
Symbolic Leap

Historical Context

2010S
Contemporary

Key Plot Points

Opening Night
Stage Suicide
Viral Fame

Plot

Actor'S Comeback
Broadway Play
Identity Crisis
Internal Struggle
Superhero Legacy
Theater Production

Setting

Backstage
Broadway
Broadway Theater
Broadway Theatre
New York City
Theater
Times Square

Shooting Location

Broadway Theatre
New York
Studio

Theme

Art Vs. Fame
Artistic Ambition
Existentialism
Identity
Mental Health
Redemption
Self-Acceptance

Genre

Art Film
Black Comedy
Comedy
Drama
Psychological
Psychological Thriller

Audiences

Adults
Art Lovers
Art-House
Cinephiles
Film Buffs
Theater Enthusiasts

Titles

Birdman
The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance

Awards

Best Cinematography
Best Director
Best Picture
Best Screenplay

Box Office Success

$103 Million

Critical Reception

Praised Screenplay
Visual Style
Widespread Acclaim

Festivals

Venice Film Festival

Popularity

Award Recognition
Cult Following

Reception

Academy Award Winner
Academy Awards
Award-Winning
Box Office Success
Critical Acclaim
Oscar Winner

Production Countries

United States

Release Year

2014
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