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Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

2014·Movie
2h 0min·R
83
GreatGoodWatch score

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Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) fingerprint

Masterful craft, stunning style, light on feelings.

Energy

Calm and low-key

  • Tension6
  • Fast Pace6
  • Spectacle3

Heart

Moving

Much of it is about family.

  • Family Dynamics9
  • Pathos7
  • Catharsis6

Humor

Plenty of sharp wit and satire

  • Wit & Wordplay8
  • Satire & Parody7
  • Dark Humor7

World

Show business, family, and the mind

Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.

  • World Immersion9
  • Dialogue Centrality9
  • Novelty9

Craft

Standout direction, performances, and storytelling

Layered plot that rewards full attention.

  • Direction10
  • Acting10
  • Narrative Structure10

Style

Standout cinematography, editing, and visual style

A distinctive visual signature.

  • Cinematography10
  • Editing9
  • Visual Stylization9

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchThought-Provoking

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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

How did we end up here?

A fading actor best known for his portrayal of a popular superhero attempts to mount a comeback by appearing in a Broadway play. As opening night approaches, his attempts to become more altruistic, rebuild his career, and reconnect with friends and family prove more difficult than expected.
Meta-Theatrical SatireSingle-Take CinematographyHollywood Ego & AmbitionPsychological Character StudyExistential CrisisDark Comedy with HeartShowbiz CritiqueImprovised Dialogue StyleAuditory Hallucination

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) legally?

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is included with a subscription to HBO Max in the United States. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) worth watching?

83
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 83/100 (IMDb 7.7, Rotten Tomatoes 91%, and Metacritic 87). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) rated?

RStrong languageDrug use

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: strong language and drug use.

How long is Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)?

2 h 0 min

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) runs 2 h 0 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)?

Critics89
Audiences78

Not quite. Critics rate Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) higher (89) than audiences (78). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.

Was Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) a box office hit?

Budget$18 million
Box office$103 million

Yes, a big one. It cost about $18 million to make and earned $103 million worldwide, 5.7 times its budget.

What language is Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)?

132ADAEAGALAOARATAUAZBABBBEBGBH+118

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) in 132 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) use?

Animation Age GhettoEvil Sounds DeepMeaningless Meaningful WordsStudio ChatterScenery CensorLeft the Background Music OnOrder Versus ChaosEither/Or TitleBreaking the Fourth WallForeshadowingOnly Sane ManShow Within a Showand 122 more

TV Tropes lists 134 storytelling tropes for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), including Animation Age Ghetto, Evil Sounds Deep, Meaningless Meaningful Words.