The Birds rules, birds rule

Rating: 10/10 (21 October 2001)

Superb, original film by Hitchcock, combining a novel horror idea of attacking birds in a somewhat surreal country setting with a very pretty protagonist (or antagonist). Tippi Hedren's character of Melanie evokes both sympathy and some disdain for her sneakiness, mystery (whatever might lay behind it), and (causation?) throughout the film, and in contrast to "Psycho," things are not resolved. Attraction exists between Melanie and her beau, but closeness is deterred with a mutual feeling of distrust and suspicion, cleverly developed by Hitchcock. While the characters --townspeople etc. -- are somewhat understated, as appropriate in most horror films, their psychology and interplay are well done, almost brilliant. The color is subtly essential to this movie just as black & white is to Psycho. But ultimately, the film is for the birds, ever ominous and on the offensive. The ending reminds me of "Chato's Land" (OK, I know "The Birds" came first).
10 out of 10