Michael Keaton’s Career Resurgence: How ‘Birdman’ Revitalized His Acting Career

Michael Keaton, known for his iconic portrayal of Batman in the 1989 film, has experienced a significant career resurgence in recent years, largely attributed to his role in the 2014 film ‘Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)’. Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, ‘Birdman’ is a dark satirical comedy that mirrors some aspects of Keaton’s own life, as he plays Riggan Thomson, a washed-up actor famous for playing the superhero Birdman in a trilogy of films from 1989 to 1992.

The film marked a critical and commercial success, grossing over $103 million worldwide on a reported $18 million budget. Keaton’s performance earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, as well as his first Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. The film itself won several Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Cinematography.

Following the success of ‘Birdman’, Keaton’s career saw a significant boost. He went on to star in Tom McCarthy‘s critically acclaimed drama ‘Spotlight‘ as Walter V. Robinson, alongside a strong ensemble cast including Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams. Although Keaton did not receive an Academy Award nomination for this role, the film won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture. The cast also secured a SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.

Keaton’s resurgence has also seen him take on other notable roles, including portraying Adrian Toomes, aka Vulture, in another superhero film. This full-circle moment highlights Keaton’s versatility and his ability to thrive in a variety of roles, from superheroes to complex dramatic characters.