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Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) 2014

A washed-up actor, once famous for playing a superhero, attempts a comeback on Broadway with a bold new stage play. Battling inner demons and the pressures of a demanding production, he struggles with the blurred lines between reality and illusion. As he chases a desperate need for validation, he confronts his past failures and the complicated relationships with those around him, ultimately questioning his sense of self and the pursuit of artistic recognition.

A washed-up actor, once famous for playing a superhero, attempts a comeback on Broadway with a bold new stage play. Battling inner demons and the pressures of a demanding production, he struggles with the blurred lines between reality and illusion. As he chases a desperate need for validation, he confronts his past failures and the complicated relationships with those around him, ultimately questioning his sense of self and the pursuit of artistic recognition.

Does Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) have end credit scenes?

No!

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

Explore the complete cast of Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

See how Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

87

Metascore

8.0

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

91%

TOMATOMETER

review

78%

User Score

IMDb

7.7 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

75

%

User Score

Letterboxd

4.0

From 13K fan ratings

Movie Insider

3.76/5

From 33 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Birdman Quiz: The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance: Test your knowledge about the critically acclaimed film 'Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)' and its intricate narrative.

What is Riggan Thomson's former claim to fame?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

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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, is a once-famous actor best known for his role as the superhero Birdman in a beloved trilogy spanning from 1989 to 1992. Haunted by the sardonic and critical voice of his former self, Riggan is tormented by visions of superhuman abilities, constantly grappling with the possibility that he might still be, in some sense, Birdman himself.

In an effort to reclaim his former glory, Riggan embarks on an ambitious project, writing, directing, and starring in a Broadway adaptation of Raymond Carver’s poignant short story, What We Talk About When We Talk About Love. However, the insistent voice of Birdman seeks to pull him back into the realm of blockbuster films, insisting that Riggan’s identity is intertwined with the character. The voice taunts him, suggesting that actors like Robert Downey Jr., who may lack true talent, are thriving due to their involvement in the Marvel universe.

The media paints Riggan as a washed-up star who turned down a lucrative role in Birdman 4 twenty years prior, adding to his desperation. His close friend and attorney, Jake, is devotedly supporting the play, which also features Riggan’s girlfriend, Laura, and rising Broadway talent Lesley. Riggan’s daughter, Sam—a recovering substance abuser he struggles to connect with—assists him on this tumultuous journey.

The day before their highly anticipated first preview, disaster strikes when a stage light falls on Riggan’s co-star, Ralph. Riggan confides in Jake, admitting he unintentionally caused the incident using his supposed superpowers. Faced with the prospect of financial ruin and with the press waiting to pounce, they decide against canceling the preview.

In a desperate move, Riggan agrees to replace Ralph with the volatile but talented method actor Mike Shiner, who is also Lesley’s boyfriend. Mike’s energetic approach to acting excites Riggan, despite concerns about his costly influence on the production. Riggan, engaged in an affair with Laura, pushes forward, believing that Mike’s presence will save the play.

However, the first previews unravel spectacularly. Mike’s behavior results in chaos on stage, including a tantrum mid-performance and inappropriate actions directed toward Lesley. Riggan’s insistence on keeping Mike for ticket sales leads to mounting tension, forcing Riggan to weigh the financial implications against the artistic vision he holds dear.

In a heartfelt exchange with his ex-wife Sylvia, Riggan contemplates mortgaging his house, revealing the depths of his commitment to the play. As frustrations mount, Riggan copes with turbulent interactions, especially after a confrontation with Sam about his relevance in the modern world.

The final preview is fraught with anxiety when Riggan finds himself locked out of the theater in nothing but his underwear, inadvertently becoming a viral sensation on social media. While he embarks on an unexpected journey of self-exploration, Tabitha Dickinson, a sharp-tongued critic, threatens to annihilate the play before it even begins.

Despite the chaos, opening night dawns, and Riggan finds solace in the performance’s success, sharing a moment of vulnerability with Sylvia. However, in a shocking climax, Riggan enacts his character’s heartbreaking end by shooting himself on stage—his misfortunate act creating a standing ovation from the audience, mistakenly perceived as part of the performance.

Waking up in a hospital, Riggan learns that his suicide attempt has inadvertently brought positive reviews, as Tabitha misinterprets the event as a bold new acting technique. Sam visits with flowers, capturing the moment to bolster his online presence.

While Sam briefly leaves the room to find a vase, Riggan confronts his identity and future. He unravels the bandages revealing his reconstructed nose, bids farewell to Birdman, and in a moment of reckless abandon, climbs out the window to embrace the freedom he longs for. As Sam returns to find the room empty, a smile graces her face while she gazes up at the soaring birds above.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

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Official Teaser Trailer

Official Worldwide Trailer

Official UK Trailer

Featurette: "The Story"

Director's Commentary

Cars Featured in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

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Explore all cars featured in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Chevrolet

2002

Monte Carlo

Ford

2009

Crown Victoria

Ford

1986

Taurus

Honda

2001

Civic

Lincoln

2009

MKS

Lincoln

2006

Town Car

Nissan

2007

Sentra

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


actorreplacementinner voiceformer celebrityshow businessacting careertheater productionemotional instabilitylong takebroadway playalter egoartiststagetheaterfemale female kissblondescantily clad femalestage playmisunderstandingdysfunctionalityrediscoverysecond chancenervousnessmidlife crisisentertainment businessstage adaptationdesperationunhappinesstheater audiencestarting oversarcasmpsychological disorderegocentrisminner dialoguetheater playfrustrationsexual innuendocigarette smokingimaginary personlevitationrehearsalbackstagetitle spoken by characterwashed up actordark comedycriticegotragicomedyshowbiz dramadown on their luck

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