Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

Synopsis

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is a dark comedy-drama film directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu. The movie follows Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton), a washed-up actor famous for his portrayal of a superhero, as he tries to revive his career by staging a Broadway play. Facing personal and professional challenges, Riggan must confront his inner demons and self-doubt. The film unfolds in a surreal manner, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, offering a unique cinematic experience. Birdman explores themes of identity, ego, and the pursuit of artistic integrity, all while questioning the nature of fame in a modern world obsessed with superficiality.

Cast

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  Michael Keaton

  Riggan

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  Emma Stone

  Sam

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  Zach Galifianakis

  Jake

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  Edward Norton

  Mike

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  Andrea Riseborough

  Laura

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  Naomi Watts

  Lesley

Reviews

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) received critical acclaim upon its release in 2014. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a rating of 91%, with the consensus stating 'A thrilling leap forward for director Alejandro González Iñárritu and actor Michael Keaton'. IMDb rated it 7.7/10, highlighting the stellar performances and innovative filmmaking. Metacritic gave the movie a score of 87/100, praising the film for its bold storytelling and unique visual style. Critics raved about the seamless one-shot sequences, the captivating performances by the cast, and the thought-provoking narrative that delves into the complexities of the human psyche. Variety called it 'a tour de force of filmmaking' while The Hollywood Reporter lauded it as 'a cinematic masterpiece that redefines the superhero genre'.