Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Michael Keaton | ... | Riggan | |
Emma Stone | ... | Sam | |
Kenny Chin | ... | Korean Grocer | |
Jamahl Garrison-Lowe | ... | Stagehand (Daniel) | |
Zach Galifianakis | ... | Jake | |
Naomi Watts | ... | Lesley | |
Jeremy Shamos | ... | Ralph | |
Andrea Riseborough | ... | Laura | |
Katherine O'Sullivan | ... | Costume Assistant | |
Damian Young | ... | Gabriel | |
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Keenan Shimizu | ... | Han |
Akira Ito | ... | Translator | |
Natalie Gold | ... | Clara | |
Merritt Wever | ... | Annie | |
Edward Norton | ... | Mike |
Actor Riggan Thomson is most famous for his movie role from over twenty years ago of the comic book superhero Birdman in the blockbuster movie of the same name and its two equally popular sequels. His association with the role took over his life, where Birdman is more renowned than "Riggan Thomson" the actor. Now past middle age, Riggan is trying to establish himself as a true artist by writing, directing, starring in and co-producing with his best friend Jake what is his Broadway debut, an adaptation of Raymond Carver's story, What We Talk About When We Talk About Love. He is staking his name, what little artistic reputation that comes with that name and his life savings on the project, and as such will do anything needed to make the play a success. As he and Jake go through the process of the previews toward opening night, Riggan runs into several issues: needing to find a replacement for the integral supporting male role the night before the first preview; hiring the talented ... Written by Huggo
This movie is widely criticized here because of its supposed lack of story. Indeed, if you've got your head stuck in the a** of the superhero movies and cellphone culture that Iñarritu is vehemently complaining against with this movie, it's got a definite lack of action. But, if you can appreciate a bit more subtlety and have some patience, can tie up some of the loose ends by yourself instead of having everything spelled out for you, then you'll see this movie is a nice little puzzle. It shows an actor that is depressed, passed his high days, going insane- some of the scenes really blur the line between reality and the main character's imagination. Definitely not an easy watch, but both the story, camera-work and acting have been worked out in detail really well- however none provide the viewer with everything on a silver platter. Watch if you're in a mood to think, not if you want an easy cheesy comedy.