Watch: 8-Minute Video Essay Reveals ‘Birdman’ Editing Secrets

"Birdman: Or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)" encompassed 2014 and its awards season, taking home Oscars for Best Director (Alejandro González Iñárritu), Best Cinematography (Emmanuel Lubezki), and Best Picture. The film is full of delightful madness; it has philosophical breakdowns, romance, drama, violence, and a bit of Raymond Chandler. The ensemble cast and emotionally intoxicating screenplay will leave you ever wanting more, but there’s one paramount element to “Birdman,” and that’s the editing.

READ MORE: ‘Birdman’ Venice Review

Many referred to the film as a “single-shot,” though that is certainly not the case. The edits were perfectly hidden to let the film appear seamless; Iñárritu and Lubezki want you to think it’s one, very long take. Of course, knowing that the film is comprised of smaller takes doesn’t necessarily spoil your curiosity, in fact it’s all the more fascinating. Iñárritu...