Birdman is a 2014 American black comedy film directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu. It stars Michael Keaton as Riggan Thomson, a famous actor best known for playing a superhero. In the film, he tries to mount a Broadway adaptation of Mike Nichols’s play Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? While struggling with his career relationship with his son and attempts to stage a comeback in the film industry.
Contents
- 1 Don’t Miss Out Birdman 2014 Storyline and Short Reviews
Don’t Miss Out Birdman 2014 Storyline and Short Reviews
Plot
Riggan Thomson is a fading actor most known for his role as Birdman in a 1990s film trilogy. Birdman’s sarcastic and critical internal voice torments him, and he regularly imagines himself doing feats of levitation and telekinesis.
Riggan is attempting to re-establish himself by writing, directing, and performing in a Broadway version of Raymond Carver’s short story “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love.” On the other hand, the Birdman voice wants Riggan to return to blockbuster film and believes that he is an important part of Riggan’s identity.
Riggan’s closest friend and lawyer, Jake, is producing the play, which also includes Riggan’s girlfriend, Laura, and Broadway debutante Lesley. Riggan’s daughter Sam, a recovered drug addict with whom he is attempting to re-establish contact, works as his assistant.
The day before the first preview, a light fixture crashes on Riggan’s unfortunate co-star, Ralph. At Lesley’s suggestion, Riggan substitutes Ralph with her lover, the talented but temperamental and self-absorbed method actor Mike Shiner.
The initial previews are disastrous: Mike breaks character by drinking water instead of gin, tries to rape Lesley during a sex scene, and protests that the plastic pistol does not seem genuine. Riggan constantly fights with Mike, ending in a scuffle when Riggan reads a New York Times article in which Mike takes Riggan’s personal motivation for performing a Raymond Carver play.
Jake convinces Riggan to finish the game. When Riggan chastises Sam for smoking marijuana, she insultingly rebukes and chastises him, telling him he is insignificant and that the performance is for his vanity.
Riggan inadvertently locks himself outdoors during the last preview by getting his robe caught in the fire escape door. To perform the final scene, he is compelled to go around Times Square in his white underwear and enter the crowd.
After the concert, Sam is worriedly waiting in his dressing room. She thought the performance was unique yet intriguing. She shows him the Times Square clip going viral and explains how this will benefit him.
The Climax of the Movie
Riggan Thomson is best known for his performance as the comic book character Birdman in the blockbuster film of the same name and its two similarly successful sequels over two decades ago. Birdman has become more famous than “Riggan Thomson,” the actor, as a result of his affiliation with the character.
Riggan, now in his forties, is attempting to prove himself as a genuine artist by writing, directing, acting in, and co-producing his Broadway debut, an adaptation of Raymond Carver’s tale, What We Talk About When We Talk About Love, alongside his closest buddy Jake.
He is risking his name, his little creative reputation, and his life savings on the endeavor, and as such, he will go to any length to ensure the play’s success. As he and Jake work their way through the previews toward opening night, Riggan encounters several issues: needing to find a replacement for the integral supporting male role the night before the first preview; hiring the talented Broadway name, Mike Shiner, for that role, Mike who proves difficult to work with and may end up overshadowing Riggan in the play.
Potentially facing a lawsuit based on one of his actions to ensure success; and needing to rewrite the play. But Riggan’s largest issue may be his own anxieties, which emerge as he continuously hears what he perceives to be the truth from the voice of his Birdman persona, with whom he often struggles both internally and outwardly.
The Story Behind the Birdman (2014) Movie
The Birdman (2014) movie was directed and co-written by Riggan Thomson, who starred in the lead role. The film is an adaptation of Raymond Carver’s short story, What We Talk About When We Talk About Love. The film was originally slated for release on June 7, 2014.
However, the Washington Film Critics Circle nominations were announced; before the official first day of voting on January 18, 2014, it was revealed that The Artist (2011) and Silver Linings Playbook (2012), both starring Academy Award-nominated actors who had only sold out one theater at each respective time led to a change in Birdman’s commercial date: its original planned opening night would fall just three days before the Academy Awards itself.
Birdman went on to screen during, and after its original scheduled date of June 7 as a test screening in Phoenix Arizona at the Valley Art Theater; where it revealed positive feedback leading to an expanded release with timely previews beginning July 8, 2014 (though due it’s opening soon before Oscar voting was completed, only one nomination entered instead of possible six), which led Paramount Pictures making their first foray into film production as The Birdman’s distributor.
Riggan Thomson and all involved were nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards (a film and a writer) by Year Award Category after winning the award, with Indiewire naming it one of their top five films so far in 2014; as well at participating in CineEurope trade show months after its official release date alongside Indiewire.
The production was produced without availed funding from any studio but itself to later acquire funding from the National Film Board of Canada, PGA and multiple financial groups for production (including distribution).
Movie cast and characters
Michael Keaton
Michael Keaton plays the role of former superhero Birdman, who has returned to his former home of New York City to try and get his career back on track. He is then faced with the decision of whether or not to use his superhero alter ego again and how it will affect his personal life.
Alejandro González Iñárritu
Alejandro González Iñárritu, who also directed the film, plays Riggan Thomson. He is a down-on-his-luck actor who has starred in many theatrical productions but has left his investors without any money.
Riggan sends his lawyer Huerttero to find the money he is owed but instead finds an actress, Laura (Emma Stone), with whom Riggan had had a sexual obsession. An arrogant actor named Mike Shiner (Edward Norton) and his producer Riggan’s ex-wife is also part of this plot that defies loose ends at all cost.
Emma Stone
Emma Stone plays an actress and love interest Gaby Cardigan. She supports Keaton during his struggles with Birdman and helps him to get back on track. She later learns that Riggan’s obsession with her has caused his mental health to deteriorate.
Edward Norton
Edward Norton plays Mike Shiner. He is Riggan’s and the rest of the New York City actors’ agent who has been taking advantage of the information on when a superhero would be making an appearance in NYC, so he can attempt to get his client a role shortly after that event takes place.
Zach Galifianakis
Zach Galifianakis plays Hollis P. Woodley, Riggan’s friend and co-worker who is always there to offer support but also has secrets of his own. He was once a successful actor but has since lost everything due to drug abuse.
The Ending of the Movie
Riggan walks to a pub for a drink and meets Tabitha Dickinson, a cynical but powerful theatrical reviewer. She pledges to “destroy” his play with a bad review despite never seeing it. Riggan buys a pint of whiskey on the way back, consumes it, and falls out on a stoop.
The following day, while heading to the theater with a nasty hangover, he imagines Birdman pleading with him to quit the play and create a fourth Birdman film. Riggan then imagines himself floating across Manhattan’s streets on his way to the theater.
The play is doing well on its first night. In his dressing room, a curiously calm Riggan admits to his ex-wife, Sylvia, that he tried to kill himself in the water some years ago when she found him having an affair. He also informs her about the Birdman voice, which she dismisses.
Following Sylvia’s departure, Riggan obtains a real pistol for the last scene where his character commits himself. Riggan shoots himself in the head on stage at the conclusion. A standing ovation is given to the play.
Riggan awakens in a hospital – the suicide attempt blew off his nose, which has been medically repaired. Tabitha wrote a favorable review of the play, describing the suicide attempt as “just what American theater needed.” Sam pays him a visit with flowers and snaps a photo of him to share with his ever-increasing number of followers on the Twitter account she set up for him.
While she walks outside to look for a vase, Riggan enters the bathroom, removes the bandages, shows his huge new nose, and bids farewell to Birdman, who sits on the toilet. He opens the window, glances up at the birds flying outside his window, and goes out onto the ledge, fascinated by them. Sam returns to an empty room and dashes to the open window, examining the ground before smiling gently up into the sky.
Awards
- Best Motion Picture of the Year-Alejandro G. Iñárritu, John Lesher, James W. Skotchdopole
- Best Achievement in Directing- Alejandro G. Iñárritu
- Best Writing, Original Screenplay- Alejandro G. Iñárritu,Nicolás Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris, Armando Bo
- Best Achievement in Cinematography- Emmanuel Lubezki
- Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role- Michael Keaton
- Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role- Edward Norton
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role- Emma Stone
- Best Achievement in Sound Mixing- Jon Taylor, Frank A. Montaño, Thomas Varga
- Best Achievement in Sound Editing – Aaron Glascock, Martín Hernández
Overall reviews
Audience analysis
Birdman has been met with overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. It currently has a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating that most viewers enjoyed the film. However, some have criticized the film’s lack of characterization and political correctness. “Birdman is an astonishing achievement.
It honors the spirit and discipline of Iñárritu’s previous work, from Beautiful to Amores Perros, while finding new depths in both tone and content.” – Roger Ebert.
American Film Institute rating Birdman was honored by Premiere Magazine as “Best Director- Screenplay” for Alejandro G. Iñárritu; it also received a nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Michael Keaton.
Birdman – Alejandro G Iñárritu (Director) Starring Edward Norton, Emma Stone and Michael Keaton Production Company: Fox Searchlight Pictures Running time: 103mins PG-13 Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of “A-” on a scale ranging from A+ to F.
Critic’s analysis
Critics have praised Birdman for its technical and artistic achievement. They have cited the strong directing, acting, and writing as key factors that make the film stand out. However, some reviewers have criticized the film’s lack of characterization and political correctness.
Visual effects
Birdman’s visual effects are praised for their realism and attention to detail. They help to create a believable environment that helps the story unfold. On the other hand, some of this detail has been criticized as unnecessary or distracting. Overall, the visual effects are highly praised.
Acting Performance
Michael Keaton’s performance as Riggan Thomson is widely acclaimed. He is praised for his portrayal of a troubled and neurotic character. Emma Stone’s portrayal of Elle MacPherson is also well-received. She is praised for bringing human emotions to her character. Many people have cited the male characters as bland, which detracts from audiences’ appreciation of the film.
Voice casting
Edward Norton uses a quirky and unusual accent for Riggan Thomson in Birdman – calling him ‘Riggen-Ga’. His use of such an odd pronunciation makes it difficult to understand some points he has said throughout his short narrative.
One reviewer believes that this repetition breaks the film’s tone and implies a deeper meaning. Norton does not use this accent in any subsequent scenes, even though it gives him license to be quirkier than Thompson.
Rachel Weisz also delivers an impressive performance as his girlfriend, Sydney Mahone – which reviewers describe as “the best emotional scene” in the film. Owen Wilson takes on a double role for Mike Shiner: one part of the inspiration that motivates his character. Another aspires to play him in a biopic – with only the latter becoming a reality. Both performances are critically acclaimed.
Conclusion
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is a 2014 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu. It tells the story of Riggan Thomson, a faded R&B star who returns to Broadway to perform in a critically acclaimed play based on his life.
It’s a simple story. He is a washed-up actor who can’t get work in film anymore and has to take a role in an action movie he doesn’t want to star in. There’s only one problem – this movie is so ridiculously violent that it would kill him if he even looked at it! It’s also supposed to be his last chance at a comeback.
FAQs
1.Is Birdman a True Story?
Ans: There is no one answer to this question as it can depend on your opinion. However, some people believe that Birdman is a true story, while others think it is an urban legend.
2.What Is the Message of Birdman?
Ans: Birdman is a critically acclaimed rapper and actor who has been working in the entertainment industry for over 20 years. He is best known for his work in films such as Boyz n the Hood, Miami Vice, and The Italian Job. The message of Birdman is that you have to hustle if you want to make it in this world. He also encourages people to stay true to themselves and not be afraid to take risks.
3.Why Is Birdman Called the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance?
Ans: There is no one answer to this question as it can be interpreted in many ways. However, some possible explanations could include:
- Birdman is a highly successful businessman who has been able to achieve great things despite not having any formal education or training.
- He has a unique perspective on business and how it should be conducted, which differs from most people in the industry.
- He understands that success does not come easy and that you have to work hard for it, even if you don’t know what you’re doing at first.
- He is always willing to take risks and try new things, which can be difficult for some people but ultimately leads to success.
4.What Happened at the End of Birdman?
Ans: There is no one answer to this question as it can vary depending on your interpretation. However, some people believe that Birdman lost his battle with addiction and ultimately died from a drug overdose.
5.What Is Birdman’s Net Worth?
Ans: Birdman has won multiple awards during his career, including the best rapper of the year in 2000. He also has a large online follower base of more than 5 million and an estimated personal fortune that could be as high as $150 million. His total assets are estimated to be as much as $160 million, with most coming from his record label Cash Money Records.
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