Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
“How did we end up here?”
Synopsis
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.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Official UK TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2014-12-02
Top Cast
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Michael Keaton
Riggan
Emma Stone
Sam
Zach Galifianakis
Jake
Edward Norton
Mike
Andrea Riseborough
Laura
Naomi Watts
Lesley
Amy Ryan
Sylvia
Lindsay Duncan
Tabitha
Merritt Wever
Annie
Jeremy Shamos
Ralph
Damian Young
Gabriel
Kenny Chin
Korean Grocer
Jamahl Garrison-Lowe
Daniel (Stagehand)
Katherine O'Sullivan
Costume Assistant
Keenan Shimizu
Han
Akira Ito
Translator
Natalie Gold
Clara
Michael Siberry
Larry
Release History & Theatrical Window
Dubai International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
October 17, 2014
Wide Cinema Exhibition
July 8, 2015
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$18M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$103.2M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
5.73x
+$85.2M net gain
Theatrical Status
Mega Hit
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Alejandro G. Iñárritu
- Screenplay & Story
- Nicolás Giacobone, Armando Bo, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Alexander Dinelaris, Raymond Carver
- Original Score
- Antonio Sánchez
- Original Title
- Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 0m
- Production Budget
- $18M
- Worldwide Gross
- $103.2M
- Production Studios
- TSG Entertainment, Worldview Entertainment, New Regency Pictures, M Productions, Le Grisbi Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Nicolás Giacobone, Armando Bo, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Alexander Dinelaris, Raymond Carver
Antonio Sánchez
Emmanuel Lubezki, Rodrigo Prieto
Douglas Crise, Stephen Mirrione
Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Arnon Milchan, Molly Conners, Sarah E. Johnson, John Lesher
Department Leadership Roster
Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Director
Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Producer
Arnon Milchan
Producer
Emmanuel Lubezki
Director of Photography
John Lesher
Producer
Kevin Thompson
Production Design
James W. Skotchdopole
Producer
Douglas Crise
Editor
Stephen Mirrione
Editor
Stephen A. Pope
Stunt Coordinator
Albert Wolsky
Costume Design
Ara Khanikian
Visual Effects Supervisor
Nicolás Giacobone
Writer
Armando Bo
Writer
Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Writer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
Restricted to Adults (18+).
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance).
Featured In Curated Collections
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Frequently Asked Questions About Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) about?
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.
Who directed Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)?
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) was directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu.
Who stars in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)?
The principal cast of Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) includes Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton, Andrea Riseborough.
When was Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) released and how long is it?
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) was released in 2014 with a total runtime of 2h 0m.
What was the box office and production budget of Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)?
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) had a reported production budget of $18M and grossed $103.2M at the worldwide box office (5.73 return on budget, classified as a blockbuster success).
Who composed the musical score for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) was composed by Antonio Sánchez.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)?
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) holds official age classifications: AU: MA 15+; CA: 14A; DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); FR: TP; GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.); IN: A (Restricted to Adults (18+).); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).