Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

Riggan Thomson achieves fame in the 1990s for his role as the superhero Birdman, featured in a beloved trilogy. Despite his early success, Riggan struggles with the shadow of his past, feeling trapped under the persona of the character.

As Riggan attempts to shed his past identity, he begins to hear the taunting voice of Birdman, which pushes him to reconsider his career choices. The voice incessantly reminds him of his glory days, igniting doubts about his artistic ambition.

In a bold move to reclaim his relevance, Riggan writes, directs, and stars in a Broadway adaptation of Raymond Carver's *What We Talk About When We Talk About Love*. This marks a significant departure from the blockbuster films associated with his past.

The media portrays Riggan as a washed-up star following his rejection of a lucrative role in *Birdman 4* two decades earlier. This backlash only deepens his struggle as he tries to navigate his current production's challenges.

A day before the preview, a stage light falls on Riggan's co-star Ralph, leading to chaos in the production. Riggan confesses to his friend Jake that he feels responsible for the accident, believing he might have caused it with his imagined superpowers.

In a desperate attempt to salvage the play, Riggan casts the volatile yet talented Mike Shiner as Ralph's replacement. As the situation spirals, Riggan's decision raises concerns about the impact of Mike's unpredictable behavior on the production.

During the preview night, the performance unravels with Mike's chaotic antics resulting in a series of on-stage disasters. Despite Riggan's intentions to save the show, the tension mounts as he grapples with the consequences of his choices.

As the pressure mounts, Riggan considers mortgaging his house to keep the play afloat. His heartfelt conversation with his ex-wife Sylvia reveals the extent of his dedication, even as challenges threaten to derail his aspirations.

On opening night, Riggan finds himself locked out of the theater, clad only in his underwear. This embarrassing moment quickly goes viral on social media, inadvertently turning him into an internet sensation as he grapples with his identity.

Despite the chaos leading up to it, opening night sees the performance resonate with audiences, providing Riggan some solace. He shares a moment of vulnerability with Sylvia, suggesting a possible path forward amid the uncertainty.

In a tragic and dramatic turn, Riggan enacts his character's end by shooting himself on stage, resulting in what is mistakenly perceived as an artistic statement. The audience's standing ovation highlights the complex nature of performance and reality.

Riggan wakes up in the hospital after his suicide attempt, learning that the incident has garnered unexpected praise from critics. Tabitha Dickinson misinterprets his actions as a bold new acting technique, igniting discussions about performance art.

While recovering, Riggan confronts his identity and the aftermath of his choices. An emotional moment unfolds as he reveals his reconstructed nose and finally bids farewell to the Birdman persona that haunted him for so long.

In a moment of impulsive liberation, Riggan climbs out the hospital window, symbolizing his quest for true freedom beyond fame and fortune. This drastic action suggests a radical shift in his perspective as he chases authenticity.

As Sam returns to find her father gone, she gazes upwards, a smile appearing on her face as she watches birds soaring above. This closing moment encapsulates the transformative journey Riggan undertook, leaving a legacy of artistic exploration.