Not quite a masterpiece...

Rating: Null/10 (23 March 1999)

The Birds isn't a great film at all - the idea is great, and so is the script, but the direction is sssslllloooowwww, and the first hour or so is tedious. The scenes with the bird attacks are very good, and the ominous precence of the birds sitting on the school climbing frame is unforgettable. But the characters are dull, and the film doesn't get exciting at all. The problem is, today's audiences are brought up on films that eschew subtle suspense for sudden shocks and gore, and can't even feel the uncomfortable atmosphere of this film and, believe it or not, Psycho as well. Which is an awful shame.But I love films that feel they don't have to explain themselves - who says films should make complete sense? It is an art form, after all - and this gives no reason whatsoever for the events taking place, leaving the audience to guess what is going on....the awesome and chilling idea behind this movie is more effective than the actual film itself, though, so I'm going to remake this film sometime.