COOL STUFF

Coolest Movie Swag Ever? Fox Searchlight's 'Birdman' Action Figure

by Alex Billington
October 17, 2014

Birdman 4?! I honestly try not to use hyperbole in headlines (anymore), but this time I just couldn't help it. It's Birdman! And this little piece of movie swag is actually quite awesome. It's unquestionably one-of-a-kind and I'm so glad to see Fox Searchlight make something so special for the release of this film. I am one of the lucky few who has received an action figure maquette of Birdman, from the new film by Alejandro González Iñárritu titled Birdman, now playing in select theaters. Michael Keaton plays Birdman, and the film is about how his ego is manifested in the form of this superhero character who follows him around. I love the film and this swag is a great way to get press, and fans, more excited for its opening. Photos below.

Over the many years I've been running this blog I have accumulated (and sold off) a large amount of movie swag, but this is one I'll probably hold onto and keep on display for a long time. Even the box is unique and while the sculpture is rough, it's the hand-crafted feeling of it that makes it all the more appealing. Plus, I'm a big fan of the film, as Michael Moore described it: "you will not see another film like this in 2014. In fact [you] may have NEVER seen a film like this." Indeed. We may never see movie swag like this again either, but that makes me feel all the more lucky to get one. They might as well make another batch and sell them.

Here's some of my own shots of the Birdman figure. Pressing the tiny gold button actually makes him speak:

Even the box has jokes. "Warning: Contains giant ego. Not suitable for adults with realistic life goals."

Here's few extra promotional shots from Fox Searchlight - one of a few places hosting a giveaway contest.

Plus why not? Another fun shot of the Birdman watching over his city taken from my Instagram page:

Finally, click for the "Birdman Speaks" website for the action figure where you can listen to what he says:

Birdman is now playing in select theaters expanding to more cities weekly - click here for theaters/tickets.

Birdman or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance is directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, who co-wrote the script with Nicolás Giacobone & Armando Bo (Biutiful) and newcomer Alexander Dinelaris. The film tells the story of an actor (Michael Keaton), famous for portraying an iconic superhero, as he struggles to mount a Broadway play. In the days leading up to opening night, he battles his ego and attempts to recover his family, his career, and himself. Also starring Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton, Andrea Riseborough, Amy Ryan, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts. Fox Searchlight releases the film limited on October 17th this fall.

Read Alex's review of Birdman from Telluride: "a sensational, extraordinary creation of artistic elegance."

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