What better way to kick off the 4th annual ’31 Days of Halloween’ than with a classic movie widely regarded as one of the scariest films of all time – a film created by the brilliant mind of one of cinemas all time horror masters.
Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 “The Birds” illustrates to the viewer the true definition of horror. Not a burnt up boogeyman haunting your dreams or a carnivorous and clearly impossible creature that stalks the night, but something so common and generally benign their place in the world right beside us is often taken for granted.
Melanie Daniels is a socialite living in San Francisco. After an encounter with attorney Mitch Brenner, who chastises her mischievous ways (an interesting dynamic in an era decades before naughty starlets like Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, or any one of the Kardashians roamed freely and certainly before the “benefits” of social media vehicles like Twitter), the tables are set.
Part smarted by his accusatory tones, and part smitten by his regal good looks, Melanie follows him to the town of Bodega Bay with intentions of a vengeful prank. While on a boat in the bay, Melanie is inexplicably attacked by a lone seagull. The seemingly chance encounter is the first in an unbelievable wave of mayhem to follow.
Hitchcock masters the art of telling a scary tale without time squandered on a cause or a reason. The terror in “The Birds” is that no explanation is given for the barbaric onslaught from the skies above. In todays PC world, causes of global warming, destruction of forests, or sheer stupidity of man would be given as a catalyst.
Hitchcock forgoes all forms of explanation and simply puts the characters of Bodega Bay in a virtually helpless situation – scores of birds are violently attacking them. There’s no reason at all for the carnage, and virtually no way to stop them.
Unlike Hitchcock classic “Psycho,” The Birds” is filmed in full color. Hitchcock wanted the modest amounts of blood visible and to stand out, and fully achieved such a result. While the film is certainly tame in comparison to the butchering’s of “Friday the 13th,” it’s far more graphic than expected for the era, and certainly tipped the scales of decency to the casual moviegoer.
The seemingly incompetent damsel in distress is born with the role of Melanie. Actress Tippi Hedren is easy on the eyes for sure, but her voice and mannerisms are boorish and quite frankly, annoying at times. While nearly every move she makes is the complete opposite move one should make in a similar situation, I suppose that’s what is expected from a horror movie leading lady.
Likewise Rod Taylor is blah at best in the role of Mitch Brenner, leading Melanie and other characters into the face of disaster more often than away from it. No other on screen talent is worthy of mentioning but that’s okay – the focal point is the attacking birds, not their helpless victims.
Hitchcock includes much more character development than in todays horror pieces which leads to a slow start and too much talking – or at least moreso than is needed – as we digest the lengthy backstory behind Melanie and Rod, and the obvious sexual chemistry between them, but once the festivities begins, it flies fast.
Like the horror classic “Jaws,” anticipation of the bird attacks is just as terrifying. One of the best scenes I have ever witnessed on film depicts a host of crows slowly massing atop a jungle gym while a gaggle of school children can be heard singing in creepy tones in the background.
“The Birds” is hamstringed by lackluster technology and effects, and the pitiful acting of the era. It won’t scare anyone of adult age, but its certainly a classic that casual fans and scholars of film will enjoy.
It would be great to have witnessed Hitchcock in todays film world, with billion dollar budgets and endless technological effects, though I’m not sure the master would have wanted to take part. Can you see him on Twitter? #Goodevening…
by – Matt Christopher
