In this biting comedy-drama, washed-up movie star Riggan Thomson makes a bold bid for artistic redemption on Broadway. As he navigates the chaos of production, personal demons resurface and a provocative newcomer shakes things up. With his career hanging in the balance, Riggan must confront the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.
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Metascore
tbd
User Score
91%
TOMATOMETER
78%
User Score
7.7 /10
IMDb Rating
75
%
User Score
4.0
From 13K fan ratings
3.76/5
From 33 fan ratings
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Who plays the lead role of Riggan Thomson?
Discover all the awards and nominations received by Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.
Cinematography
Best Picture
Sound Editing
Sound Mixing
Writing (Original Screenplay)
Best Film
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Original Music
Best Sound
Best Picture
Best Acting Ensemble
Best Original Screenplay
Best Comedy Movie
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Score
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
Best Original Song
Read the complete plot summary of Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.
Riggan Thomson, portrayed by Michael Keaton, once basked in the limelight as a superhero known as Birdman in a popular trilogy that spanned from 1989 to 1992. However, now a relic of Hollywood, he is haunted by the relentless, mocking voice of his former self, the Birdman, playing tricks on his mind. This internal dialogue isn’t merely a figment of his imagination; it manifests in vivid hallucinations where Riggan envisions himself performing impossible feats like levitation and telekinesis. In his quest to reclaim stardom, Riggan embarks on an ambitious journey to write, direct, and star in a Broadway adaptation of Raymond Carver’s poignant short story, What We Talk About When We Talk About Love.
Yet, the insistent voice of Birdman continuously taunts Riggan, urging him to return to the world of blockbuster movies—a world that, according to the voice, defines his very essence. The voice derides him, suggesting that despite actors like Robert Downey Jr. lacking true talent, he thrives due to the superhero genre. This harsh criticism echoes the sentiment of the press, who view Riggan’s theatrical venture as a desperate attempt by a once-great actor who turned down the chance to reprise his role in the now-defunct Birdman 4 two decades prior.
Among those supporting Riggan’s return to the stage is his lawyer and close friend, Jake. The play features not only Riggan’s current girlfriend, Laura, but also the vibrant newcomer Lesley. Furthermore, Riggan’s estranged daughter, Sam, a recovering addict trying to mend their frayed relationship, serves as his assistant. As the opening draws near, a catastrophic incident unfolds: a lighting fixture crashes down on Riggan’s unfortunate co-star, Ralph (Jeremy Shamos). Riggan, in a moment of vulnerability, confesses to Jake that he deliberately caused the mishap through his imagined powers. The stakes are high, and despite wanting to postpone the first preview, Jake understands the financial implications of such a decision, leaving Riggan trapped between a rock and a hard place.
In the wake of this incident, following Lesley’s advice, Riggan replaces Ralph with the tempestuous and gifted method actor, Mike Shiner, who immediately captivates both the audience and critics, much to Jake’s delight. Despite his high costs, Riggan feels energized by Mike’s raw talent, pledging to gather the necessary funds to keep him on board, all while engaging in an affair with Laura.
However, the first previews don’t go as planned—Mike’s outbursts and erratic behavior threaten to derail the production. He creates havoc on stage when he discovers Riggan has switched his gin for water, spiraling into a meltdown. Riggan, frustrated, wishes to remove Mike, yet Jake insists that the play cannot afford any further setbacks.
As the narrative unfolds, Riggan’s interactions with Mike reveal deep-seated insecurities and vulnerabilities. Riggan, desperate to prove himself, even considers risking his home to fund the play, all while trying to reconnect with his daughter. Sam’s pointed critiques cut through his defenses, as she chastises him for living in obscurity without engaging in modern media—a harsh reminder of his diminishing relevance.
In a world of rising tensions, boundaries blur between artistic ambition and personal crisis. Internal conflicts reach a boiling point, particularly as Riggan struggles to maintain control of his life and his show. A dramatic moment unfolds when Riggan finds himself inadvertently locked outside the theater, forcing him to traverse Times Square clad only in his underwear, an incident that unexpectedly garners viral attention and breathes new life into his publicity.
Once opening night arrives, the play threads a precarious balance between anticipation and chaos. Following a surprisingly positive reception, Riggan confides in his ex-wife Sylvia about his despair, revealing a past plagued by suicidal thoughts that surfaced after his affair was caught. As he readies himself for a climactic scene, he impulsively takes a real gun to stage, leading to a shocking act where he discharges it at himself, eliciting standing applause from the audience who mistake his act as an innovative method of performance.
Awakening in a hospital bed, Riggan discovers that his attempt on his life merely led to a severe injury, leading to a blossoming of new notoriety thanks to a rave review mistakenly interpreting his actions as avant-garde artistry. Sam visits with flowers, wielding the newfound fame she cultivates for him on social media. However, in a solitary moment of reflection, Riggan grapples with his identity, revealing his vulnerabilities, and ultimately saying farewell to the Birdman persona, before stepping out into the unpredictable expanse of life, leaving behind whispers of what once was.
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