Birdman (2014)

Last updated:
October 11, 2024

Detailed Summary

Riggan’s Struggle for Relevance

Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton), a faded Hollywood actor best known for playing the superhero Birdman, is determined to reinvent himself by writing, directing, and starring in a Broadway adaptation of Raymond Carver’s short story, “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love.” Riggan battles self-doubt, financial issues, and the pressure of living up to his former fame.

The Troubled Rehearsals

The play’s rehearsals are chaotic. Riggan clashes with his cast members, particularly Mike Shiner (Edward Norton), a talented yet volatile actor who often disrupts the process. Riggan’s daughter, Sam (Emma Stone), is fresh out of rehab and working as his assistant, adding personal tension to the professional chaos.

Opening Night Disaster

As the opening night approaches, Riggan’s mental state deteriorates. He is haunted by the voice of his Birdman character, which taunts him and fuels his insecurities. On opening night, Riggan inadvertently locks himself out of the theater and is forced to walk through Times Square in his underwear to get back inside, capturing the attention of the public and the media.

The Final Performance

During the play’s final performance, Riggan uses a real gun instead of a prop, shooting himself in the nose. This act blurs the line between reality and fiction, leaving the audience in shock but garnering critical acclaim for the play. Riggan wakes up in the hospital, and his future seems uncertain.

The Ambiguous Ending

In the film’s closing scene, Riggan is alone in his hospital room. He walks to the window and looks out, seemingly contemplating his next move. When Sam returns to the room and can’t find him, she looks out the window and smiles, leaving viewers to interpret whether Riggan has embraced his Birdman persona and flown away or met a tragic end.

Movie Ending

The ending of “Birdman” is deliberately ambiguous. After Riggan’s final performance, he is seen in the hospital. He walks to the window and, in a moment of surrealism, possibly jumps. His daughter, Sam, looks out the window and smiles, suggesting either he has achieved a form of transcendence or is lost to his delusions.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, “Birdman” does not have any post-credits scenes.

Type of Movie

“Birdman” is a black comedy-drama that explores themes of ego, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. It is also known for its satirical take on Hollywood and Broadway.

Cast

Michael Keaton as Riggan Thomson / Birdman
Edward Norton as Mike Shiner
Emma Stone as Sam Thomson
Naomi Watts as Lesley
Andrea Riseborough as Laura
Zach Galifianakis as Jake
Amy Ryan as Sylvia

Film Music and Composer

The film’s music, composed by Antonio Sánchez, is notable for its jazz drum score, which adds to the movie’s frenetic and intense atmosphere.

Filming Locations

St. James Theatre, New York City: The main setting for the film, providing an authentic Broadway backdrop.
Times Square, New York City: Used for Riggan’s iconic underwear scene, symbolizing his public and personal exposure.

These locations contribute to the film’s authentic depiction of the theater world and its chaotic energy.

Awards and Nominations

Academy Awards: Won Best Picture, Best Director (Alejandro G. Iñárritu), Best Original Screenplay, and Best Cinematography.
Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Actor (Michael Keaton) and Best Screenplay.
BAFTA Awards: Won Best Cinematography.

Behind the Scenes Insights

The film was shot to appear as if it was one continuous take, creating a unique and immersive viewing experience.
Michael Keaton, once famous for playing Batman, took on a role that paralleled his own career, adding a layer of meta-commentary.
Edward Norton’s character was partially based on his own reputation for being difficult to work with.

Inspirations and References

Meta-Commentary: Riggan’s struggle with his Birdman identity mirrors Michael Keaton’s own career trajectory after playing Batman.
Raymond Carver: The play within the film is based on Carver’s work, reflecting themes of personal crisis and redemption.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no widely known alternate endings or significant deleted scenes. The film’s ending was carefully crafted to maintain its ambiguity and thematic resonance.

Book Adaptations and Differences

“Birdman” is an original screenplay and not based on a book, so there are no adaptations or differences to note.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Riggan’s Underwear Walk: Riggan’s desperate run through Times Square in his underwear.
Riggan’s Flight: The surreal scene where Riggan appears to fly over New York City.
Final Performance: Riggan’s climactic act of shooting himself on stage.

Iconic Quotes

“A thing is a thing, not what is said of that thing.” – Birdman
“You’re doing this because you’re scared to death, like the rest of us, that you don’t matter.” – Sam
“Popularity is the slutty little cousin of prestige.” – Mike Shiner

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The use of jazz drumming throughout the film mirrors Riggan’s chaotic mental state.
References to Keaton’s own career as Batman are scattered throughout the dialogue and visual cues.
The film’s continuous shot style emphasizes the blurring of reality and performance.

Trivia

The film was shot over a period of 30 days.
Alejandro G. Iñárritu instructed the cast and crew to treat the filming process like a live theater performance.
The use of real New York City locations added to the film’s authenticity and logistical complexity.

Why Watch?

“Birdman” is a visually stunning, thought-provoking film that challenges traditional storytelling with its innovative cinematography and complex themes. The stellar performances, particularly by Michael Keaton, and its satirical take on fame and artistic integrity make it a compelling watch.