strangely understated

Rating: 10/10 (23 May 2007)

First saw this film when it was released in the spring of 1963- at that time I was 11 years old. It was scary and compelling to me as a young kid.
I have seen the film countless times since- and own the DVD version. Filmed in early 1962, the film shows those great early 60s' fashions as designed in the film by icon Edith Head- it also harks back in a way to JFK and Camelot.
Tippi Hedren looked great in the French twist hairdo- and those stiletto spiked heels. Taylor at times looks like he was wearing something President Kennedy would have worn then.
The acting is solid, yet unremarkable. All the leads are very good. The cinematography is nearly flawless. There is no musical soundtrack- again very unique- but the soundtrack is the 'birds' and the one conceived by maestro Bernard Hermann.
I have been to Bodega Bay many times (the town burned down mostly in the late 60s) - though the Tides restaurant remains as does the schoolhouse -which is located a bit out of town.
The film remains iconic and fascinating to watch. Hitchcock does a stunningly understated job in his direction.
Although the films premise is rather bizarre- it maintains its integrity and believability. Still fascinating and fun to watch- considering it is 45 years old- a bit dated in many ways bit still a most famous and impressive film for the ages.