Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A superhero actor has a midlife crisis and tries to become a serious artist, resulting in a lot of existential angst and near-nudity in Times Square.

🍿 Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance): Detailed Plot Synopsis

Riggan’s Broadway Gamble

Riggan Thomson, once a celebrated superhero actor known as Birdman, struggles to escape the shadow of his past. He aims to revive his career by writing, directing, and starring in a Broadway adaptation of Raymond Carver’s ‘What We Talk About When We Talk About Love’. This ambitious endeavor is fraught with challenges, threatening his reputation and finances.

Casting Chaos and Personal Turmoil

Riggan faces numerous obstacles, including a last-minute cast replacement, the arrival of the talented but volatile actor Mike Shiner, and the pressures of dealing with his recovering addict daughter, Sam. He also battles his own insecurities, manifested by the critical voice of Birdman, which constantly taunts him and questions his artistic integrity. The stress mounts as opening night approaches.

Previews, Critics, and a Viral Moment

During disastrous preview performances, Mike’s antics and Riggan’s own actions, including a public walk through Times Square in his underwear after accidentally locking himself out of the theater, generate unwanted attention. He confronts Tabitha Dickinson, a powerful theater critic who vows to destroy his play regardless of its quality. The Times Square incident, however, unexpectedly goes viral, offering a glimmer of hope.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton): A washed-up actor, famous for playing a superhero, attempts to revitalize his career by staging a Broadway play, battling his inner demons and the voice of his past.
• Jake (Zach Galifianakis): Riggan’s loyal friend and lawyer who produces the Broadway play while trying to keep the chaotic production from falling apart.
• Mike Shiner (Edward Norton): A talented but difficult method actor who joins Riggan’s play, creating both opportunities and conflicts for the production.
• Sam (Emma Stone): Riggan’s daughter and production assistant, a recovering addict who provides a cynical perspective on her father’s ambitions and the world around them.
• Laura (Andrea Riseborough): Riggan’s girlfriend and co-star in the play, whose relationship with Riggan is complicated by the pressures of the production and their personal insecurities.
• Lesley (Naomi Watts): A Broadway newcomer and co-star in Riggan’s play, navigating the challenges and eccentricities of the theater world.
• Tabitha Dickinson (Lindsay Duncan): A powerful and cynical New York Times theater critic who holds the fate of Riggan’s play in her hands.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Birdman (voice): “You’re not an actor. You’re a celebrity. Let’s face it. Birdman is who you are.” – The Birdman persona taunts Riggan, highlighting his fear of being seen as nothing more than his superhero role.
• Sam: “You’re doing this because you want to feel relevant again.” – Sam confronts Riggan about his motivations, suggesting his Broadway play is driven by ego and insecurity.
• Mike: “Popularity is the slutty little cousin of prestige, my friend.” – Mike explains his view on the artistic value of popularity versus prestige, expressing his philosophy.
• Tabitha Dickinson: “I’m going to destroy your play.” – The critic Tabitha Dickinson declares her intention to give Riggan’s play a bad review, revealing her bias against Hollywood actors.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $18,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $42,340,598
• Worldwide Gross: $103,215,094

💥 Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely blown away by Birdman! The long takes really pulled me into Riggan’s chaotic world, and I felt like I was right there with him backstage. Michael Keaton was incredible, and I was rooting for him to succeed, even when he was making the worst decisions. The ending left me with so many questions, but that’s what made it stick with me long after I left the theater. Definitely one of my all-time favorites!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark comedies and satires”
  • “Those interested in films about the entertainment industry and artistic struggles”
  • “Viewers who appreciate innovative cinematography and unique storytelling”
  • “Those who enjoy films with ambiguous endings”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Suicide attempt”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Birdman is a dazzling and disorienting experience, a behind-the-scenes look at Broadway that’s both hilarious and heartbreaking. Keaton delivers a career-defining performance.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A darkly comic and visually stunning film that explores the themes of fame, identity, and artistic integrity. Norton and Stone provide excellent support to Keaton’s tour-de-force.
• Rolling Stone: “Michael Keaton gives the performance of a lifetime in this visually stunning and emotionally resonant film. Birdman is a must-see for anyone who appreciates cinema as art.

Audience Reactions

The single-shot cinematography was mesmerizing and unique.: Viewers praised the innovative filming style and immersive experience.

Michael Keaton’s performance was captivating and a career highlight.: The audience consensus is that Keaton’s portrayal was phenomenal.

Overall Consensus: Birdman is a critically acclaimed, visually stunning film featuring outstanding performances, particularly by Michael Keaton. Its innovative cinematography and exploration of fame and artistic integrity resonated with audiences.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Picture)- 2015
2. Academy Award (Best Director)- 2015
3. Academy Award (Best Original Screenplay)- 2015
4. Academy Award (Best Cinematography)- 2015
5. Golden Globe (Best Actor – Musical or Comedy)- 2015
6. Golden Globe (Best Screenplay)- 2015

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot to appear as one continuous take, using carefully choreographed camera movements and hidden edits.”
• “Michael Keaton’s casting was seen as meta-casting, given his own history playing Batman and then stepping away from the role. This added layers of meaning to Riggan’s struggle.”
• “The drum-heavy score by Antonio Sánchez was largely improvised and recorded live on set, adding to the film’s frenetic energy.”
• “Edward Norton’s character, Mike Shiner, was partly inspired by his own reputation for being a demanding and difficult actor to work with.”

🖥️ How to Watch Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)?

Birdman is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for rental or purchase options. It’s also often available through cable on-demand services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), you might like these similar films:

• All About Eve (1950): Explores the cutthroat world of theater and the egos of performers, focusing on ambition, insecurity, and the hunger for recognition.
• Adaptation (2002): Meta-narrative about the struggles of an artist trying to create something meaningful, dealing with creative blocks and personal crises.
• Black Swan (2010): A psychological thriller exploring the dark side of artistic ambition and the toll it takes on the performer, blurring reality and illusion.
• Being John Malkovich (1999): It showcases surreal, dark humor, and a dive into the mind of someone who is trying to figure out their career path.

🛒 Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) Related Products

• Raymond Carver: What We Talk About When We Talk About Love: Stories: Dive deeper into the source material that inspired Riggan Thomson’s Broadway adaptation. Explore Carver’s poignant short stories about love, loss, and human connection. This collection offers insight into the themes and nuances of the movie.
• Birdman (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Vinyl]: Experience the unique and captivating drum-based score of Birdman by Antonio Sánchez on vinyl. This soundtrack perfectly complements the film’s frenetic energy and emotional depth, capturing the essence of Riggan’s journey.
• Broadway Musicals: A Complete Chronological Journey: Explore the rich history and artistry of Broadway musicals. Discover the evolution of musical theater, from classic productions to contemporary hits. Explore the world of musical theatre to better understand Birdman plot
• Superhero Movie Collection [Blu-ray]: Delve into a world of cinematic superheroes with this Blu-ray collection featuring iconic characters. Experience thrilling battles, heroic feats, and the timeless struggle between good and evil, while exploring the contrast of “Birdman”

🎧 Soundtrack

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Escape From Los Angeles” – performed by Antonio Sánchez
• “Queen Bitch” – performed by David Bowie
• “Birdman Blind Melody” – performed by Joan Valent

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

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If you found yourself wondering about the deeper implications of Birdman, this video essay will take you on a journey to uncover the hidden meanings and symbolism that make this movie so intriguing. Get ready to dive into the mind of an alien film critic analyzing Birdman from the future!

Birdman (2014) Making of & Behind the Scenes (Part1/2)

Curious about how the magic of Birdman came to life? This behind-the-scenes video will take you on a journey through the making of the movie, giving you a glimpse of the challenges and triumphs that shaped this cinematic masterpiece.

Michael Keaton on Filming ‘Birdman’

Join Michael Keaton, the enigmatic star of Birdman, as he shares his thoughts and experiences from the set. Get an insider’s perspective on the movie’s themes, challenges, and the personal journey Keaton undertook to bring this iconic character to life.

Birdman – What it all Meant

Prepare to delve into the depths of Birdman’s themes and motifs! This video essay will guide you through a thought-provoking analysis, exploring the complexities of identity, ego, and the pursuit of artistic validation. Get ready to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for this critically acclaimed film.

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