With 'Birdman' taking place in and around a theatre, the filming process interesting took on a very theatrical performance style, as the film was shot continuously in one take.
When approaching 'Birdman', director Alejandro González Iñárritu decided that to fully get into the mind-set of his main character, his introspective film would be shot as a continuous piece. Or rather, six continuous pieces that could be stitched together in order to resemble one continuous piece. But when confronted with the monumental task of filming large sections of a motion picture in one sitting, there were certain, fairly obvious challenges to follow even if you had, as actor Michael Keaton describes, "an Academy Award-winning cinematographer who is kind of a genius".
Michael Keaton stars as Riggan Thomas in 'Birdman'
Keaton plays the starring role in 'Birdman', one Riggan Thomson - former superhero movie star, currently attempting to reinvigorate his career by writing, directing and starring in his own Broadway debut. "Everyday was one scene," explained Keaton, "and all the actors were petrified constantly." 'Birdman' boasts a fine cast of actors, including Emma Stone, Edward Norton, Naomi Watts and Zach Galifianakis amongst others, so Keaton's statement has even more resonance.
More: Watch Clips from 'Birdman'
Stone herself commented on the filming by revealing that "you have to be completely present and alive in every moment." But while it was clearly difficult to create, the gamble must have paid off. 'Birdman' has received rave reviews from critics worldwide for its innovative storytelling methods and creative narrative. "You've got everything inter-connected by this seamless transfer visually from one moment to the next," explains Edward Norton. He continues to explain how "it puts the baton in an actor's hand".
Watch the Exclusive Featurette for 'Birdman' here:
'Birdman' first opened on 27th August 2014 as part of the Venice Film Festival. It then opened for a theatrical release in the US on 14th November 2014, with a UK release date set for 1st January 2015. And, as Michael Keaton explains: "I've never seen anything like this. And I mean it literally."
More: 'Boyhood' and 'Birdman' Among AFI's Top Films of 2014
Edward Norton and Michael Keaton inside the theatre
Emma Stone and Edward Norton are part of the fantastic supporting cast
Birdman Towers over NYC
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