3 reasons why Hitchcock's "The Birds" shines in film history *Spoiler alert

An unprovoked attack by The Birds and a meticulously drawn human drama

Hitchcock's first task was to develop a detailed script and storyboards. It is often said that novels and movies are two different things, but the story of this work also deviates greatly from the original, almost following its own path. In later years, a large number of B-class panic movies were produced that were influenced by ``The Birds,'' but this film, which still leaves its mark on history, is on a different level from the screenplay.

What is particularly surprising is that the film opens with an encounter between a man and a woman, similar to a screwball comedy. At a pet shop specializing in birds, they had a casual exchange of "love birds (button parakeets)," and as this became an opportunity, they rapidly became closer, only to find out that The Birds attack was about to take place in just a few minutes. I can't imagine being there.

Of course, Hitchcock and the screenwriter had a very deliberate intention here, and the way the atmosphere of a fine comedy suddenly turns into a Inferno resembles a sadistically steepening roller coaster. On the other hand, it is important to keep in mind that while showing such brutality, the human patterns that weave through the work are developed with great care.

"The Birds" (C) 1963 Alfred J. Hitchcock Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The heroine follows a man to a port town. There is also a female teacher who once came to town following the same man and ended up living here. There is a hint that the heroine, who is currently excited at the beginning of love, may someday suffer the same fate as this female teacher.

Furthermore, the man's mother, trying not to lose her child, takes a particularly harsh look at the women who court her son. Since this is the follow-up to `` Psycho ,'' many people must have been horrified by the mother-son element at the time of its release.

Dark clouds are gathering in the story, which until recently had been filled with a comedic mood, and before you know it, The Birds begin to fill the area with eerie buzzing, as if they are a metaphor for human relationships.

It is impressive that while swarms of The Birds swoop in and humans are forced into confined spaces, the lovebirds continue to serve as a modest symbol. According to Hitchcock, this The Birds symbolizes that ``love overcomes all challenges and survives'' (*2). Although it looks like a simple panic movie, it is actually a solid love movie.

However, even though the story is so detailed, there is one big Intolerance in this work. ``The reason why The Birds attack'' is never explained.

In fact, various possibilities were considered for this "reason", including revenge against humans, an epidemic, or even an occult-like outcome. In the end, the conclusion was that there was no need for a reason.

People tend to jump to conclusions and reasons. Not getting answers creates anxiety, which stays with the viewer long after the movie ends. Perhaps Hitchcock was aiming for the effect of continuing the fear and shock of the film in this way.

*2 Quoted from “Teibon Eigajutsu” p.296

The Birds attack. Disney's compositing technology used for special effects