The birds Directed by Alfred Hitchcock By Olivia & Chloe

Introduction The film the birds is a story of two people in the 1960's who become romantically involved in the San Francisco area. Several flocks of birds provide a subplot. The storyline is about a wealthy young woman (Melanie Daniels played by Tippi Hedren) who meets a man (Mitch Brenner played by Rod Taylor) in a pet shop. As their romance grows the birds start to act strangely. As the movie develops the number of birds dramatically increases and become more and more vicious and gruesome.

Why we chose this scene After a three second shot of a large flock of birds darting around a gloomy sky, the opening scene moves to a well lit pet shop. The opening scene showcases the excellent on-screen chemistry between the two lead characters. It shows them as well dressed, confident and intelligent people exchanging witty and flirtatious conversation before the man makes a quick but stylish exit. There is an air of innocence, something that is lost as the film progresses. This is a good opportunity for the audience to connect with the characters as they are being playful in a relaxed environment. The obvious attraction between the lead characters makes you forget about the strange birds and completely shifts your focus to the interaction between the two characters. This ideal of love at first sight is something that most people either yearn for or can relate to.

Opening Shot Opening shot (02:08) – flock of birds

Mise-en-scene The scene is set in an unusual place, in a pet shop. This is a strong contrast to the previous shot of the strange birds gathering outside in a darkened sky. Pets are for playing with which adds to the playful feeling of the flirtatious dialogue. The pet shop also makes you think of children and innocence and alludes to a childlike quality in Melanie’s character. It is ironic that in this opening scene Melanie views a bird as a harmless creature and a suitable gift for a friend later in the movie she would never do that. (02:29)- Pet shop scene

Sound (05:42) - Love bird conversation In general, the film does not use a music soundtrack. The sounds are based on realistic background noises but used to dramatic effect. In the opening few seconds we hear mainly seagulls calling. We then hear the noise of cars which brings us back to the scene as the camera pans onto Melanie walking into the pet shop. One of the reasons this scene stood out was because of the sound. In this scene the birds are chirping happily. We are subconsciously comforted by this as birds will only sing when they feel there are no predators around. It immediately gave the pet shop a safe feeling after the crying seagulls. When Mitch mentions lovebirds the background noise of the birds gets louder, emphasising their growing interest in each other. In most of the other scenes the birds were attacking Melanie and Mitch, with screeching bird noises. Sound (05:42) - Love bird conversation

Lighting (05:02)- Pet shop In the opening shot Melanie looks up to the sky at the birds. The lighting outside is very dark and gloomy. Although the audience is unaware of it this gloomy and mysterious vibe/ lighting will reappear through the film. Once inside the shop the lighting changes, it contrast to the dim grey outside the lighting in the shop is brighter lifting the mood, with a yellow light meaning it is warm. The brighter light also helps show off the beauty of the two main characters.

Camera & Editing (06:27)- Catching the bird under his hat The opening shot is a long shot of the birds peculiarly gathering in the sky. This is the only long shot in the whole scene. Melanie is stood on the right hand corner of the shot out of focus. Most of the shots throughout the rest of the scene are medium close ups giving the whole scene a more intimate feel for the inside of the pet shop. Most of Hitchcock’s shots lasted quite a long time and the camera moved with the characters. By doing this the scene is very fluid and easy to follow. Because of this the scene has a smooth and natural feel which could also be used to describe both the lead characters: smooth and natural. However, he does use close ups when the characters are exchanging dialog and when Mitch catches the bird.

Mise-en-scene (Costume, Makeup & Hair) (06:38)- Conversation All of the costumes are period costumes. Melanie is a wealthy upper class daddy’s girl. Her father owns the daily news and she lives off her father’s wealth. Although she is conservatively dressed she still oozes elegance and is very fashionable for her time. Her suited is tailored with a stylish collar and a good fit. She is very sophisticated. She shows this with her hair in a slick updo and subtle makeup that enhances her natural features. Mitch is wearing a tailored, made to fit suit. This indicates that he is attending to business and has money. The way both of the characters are dressed implies that they are educated.