Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) 2014

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.