Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
Alejandro González Iñárritu's audacious dark comedy follows a washed-up superhero actor risking everything on a Broadway comeback.
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) - Movie Information
- Original Title: Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
- Release Year: 2014
- Directed by: Alejandro González Iñárritu
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Runtime: 2h 0m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 24, 2014 (Canada - 14A), November 14, 2014 (United States), January 1, 2015 (United Kingdom - 15), January 29, 2015 (Germany - 12), February 25, 2015 (France - TP), January 30, 2015 (India), January 15, 2015 (New Zealand - R16), January 15, 2015 (Australia - MA15+), January 29, 2015 (Brazil - 16), November 13, 2014 (Mexico - B-15), February 5, 2015 (Italy - T), January 9, 2015 (Spain - 16), March 5, 2015 (South Korea - 19)
- Alternative Titles: בירדמן או (היתרון הבלתי צפוי של הבורות) (IL), Birdman o la inesperada virtud de la ignorancia (MX), Birdman (US), Birdman (PL), Birdman avagy a mellőzés meglepő ereje (HU), Birdman - o (L'imprevedibile virtù dell'ignoranza) (IT), Birdman - The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance (AU), Birdman (SE)
- Production Companies: TSG Entertainment, Worldview Entertainment, New Regency Pictures, M Productions, Le Grisbi Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) - Plot
A fading actor best known for his portrayal of a popular superhero attempts to mount a comeback by appearing in a Broadway play. As opening night approaches, his attempts to become more altruistic, rebuild his career, and reconnect with friends and family prove more difficult than expected.
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the chaos of Broadway unfold:
How did we end up here?
Where to Watch Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Looking for where to watch Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Alejandro González Iñárritu
Main Cast
- Michael Keaton
- Emma Stone
- Zach Galifianakis
- Edward Norton
- Andrea Riseborough
- Naomi Watts
- Amy Ryan
- Lindsay Duncan
- Merritt Wever
- Jeremy Shamos
Writers
- Alejandro González Iñárritu
- Nicolás Giacobone
- Alexander Dinelaris
- Armando Bo
Producers
- Alejandro González Iñárritu
- Arnon Milchan
- John Lesher
- James W. Skotchdopole
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) - FAQs
Where can you stream Birdman online?
Birdman is available to stream on Hulu with a subscription. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region, so check JustWatch for the most current options.
What does the ending of Birdman mean?
The ending is intentionally ambiguous. After shooting himself on stage, Riggan wakes in a hospital to find critical acclaim. When he steps onto the window ledge, Sam looks up and smiles — suggesting either transcendence, delusion, or death interpreted as flight. The film invites viewers to decide which reality they believe.
Who are the main actors in Birdman?
Birdman stars Michael Keaton as Riggan Thomson, Emma Stone as his daughter Sam, Edward Norton as the volatile actor Mike Shiner, Zach Galifianakis as producer Jake, Naomi Watts as Lesley, Andrea Riseborough as Laura, and Amy Ryan as Riggan's ex-wife Sylvia.
Is Birdman based on a true story?
Birdman is not based on a true story. However, the casting of Michael Keaton — famous for playing Batman in 1989 and 1992 — adds unmistakable autobiographical resonance. The character of Riggan Thomson, a superhero actor seeking artistic legitimacy, mirrors Keaton's own Hollywood trajectory in striking ways.
What is Birdman about?
Birdman follows Riggan Thomson, a fading actor once famous for playing a superhero, as he writes, directs, and stars in a Broadway adaptation of a Raymond Carver story. The film explores ego, artistic relevance, family dysfunction, and the blurred line between reality and delusion, all shot to appear as one continuous take.
Was Birdman really filmed in one take?
Birdman was not literally filmed in a single take, but cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki and director Alejandro González Iñárritu crafted the film to appear as one unbroken shot. Long, fluid takes were seamlessly stitched together in post-production, creating an immersive, real-time theatrical illusion throughout the entire film.
Did Birdman win any major awards?
Yes. Birdman won four Academy Awards at the 87th Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director for Alejandro González Iñárritu, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Cinematography for Emmanuel Lubezki. It also won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy and numerous critics' circle awards.
How long is Birdman?
Birdman has a runtime of 120 minutes, or 2 hours. Despite its lengthy feel due to the single-take aesthetic and dense theatrical dialogue, the film moves at a propulsive pace driven by Antonio Sánchez's relentless jazz drum score and Lubezki's kinetic, corridor-chasing camerawork.
More About Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Explore further details about the film on these authoritative resources: