Keep Watching the Skies

Rating: 8/10 (30 October 2014)

After the proliferation of all those Flying Saucer Movies of the 1950's that told us to "Keep Watching the Skies", Alfred Hitchcock chimed in with this Bloody Horror Movie. It is Oddly called one of the Scariest Movies ever, and also one of the Least Scary Movies ever.
There is Diverse Opinion, depending on Taste and Expectations. It is certainly a well Crafted Suspense Picture with a Surprising amount of Bloodletting for a 1963 Film. It's Lack of a Musical Score and some "Silent" Scenes it has, again, been both Praised and Vilified for its Psychological Terror and Lack Thereof.
It is a Slow set up and is Talky and Stiff, even by the Standards of the Day. The Director's Trademark use of Matte Shots and Blue Screen are Evident, but the Special Effects of the Bird Attacks, for its Time, are Effective and the use of Sound Distortion Samples were Innovative and New.
It is distinctively Apocalyptic with the usual HItchcock Freudian Sexual Overtones. The Shoot is Notorious and Debut Star Tippi Hedren's Ordeal has been well Chronicled and Her Week long stay in the Hospital after Filming, only sufficed to add Credence to the Director's Misogyny and Cruel Behavior toward His Actors.
Overall, Today the Film seems Odd, Distinctive, and is surely one that can still Divide Viewers. It was a tremendous Hit in its Day and Remains One of Alfred HItchcock's Most Famous Films.