The Birdman cinematography, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, was executed to create the illusion of a continuous, single shot throughout the entire film. This illusion was achieved through a combination of careful camera movement, lighting, and editing.
The cinematography of the film involved the use of a handheld camera that followed the characters closely throughout the story. The camera work required precise choreography and timing to ensure that the camera was always in the right place at the right time. To achieve the illusion of a single shot, the camera was constantly moving and changing angles, but the transitions between shots were often disguised or hidden.
The lighting in the film was also an important aspect of the cinematography. The film was shot entirely indoors, with many scenes taking place in a theater. The lighting was used to create different moods and atmospheres throughout the film. For example, the lighting was often used to create the illusion of a spotlight on the characters, as if they were on stage.
The editing in the film was done in a way that hid the cuts between shots. The transitions between scenes were often seamless, with one shot fading out while the next shot faded in. In some cases, the transitions were hidden by objects in the foreground or background, making the cut less noticeable.
To achieve the one-shot illusion, the film was actually shot in a series of long takes, with each take lasting up to 15 minutes. The filmmakers used a combination of practical effects and digital effects to create the illusion of a single shot. For example, the filmmakers used a Steadicam to keep the camera stable during long takes, and they also used digital effects to remove any visible signs of cuts or transitions between shots.
In conclusion, the Birdman cinematography was executed with meticulous planning and attention to detail to create the illusion of a single, continuous shot throughout the film. The camera work, lighting, and editing were all carefully crafted to achieve this effect. While the film was actually shot in a series of long takes, the use of practical and digital effects helped to hide any visible signs of cuts or transitions between shots. Overall, the Birdman cinematography was a technical achievement that showcased the skill and creativity of the filmmakers involved.
Sources:
- “The cinematography of Birdman: An interview with Emmanuel Lubezki,” The Credits
- “How Alejandro González Iñárritu and Emmanuel Lubezki Made Birdman Look Like One Take,” IndieWire
- “Birdman: How We Did It,” American Cinematographer
