39 Facts About The Movie The Birds

Hitchcock’s Inspiration

The idea for “The Birds” came from a short story by Daphne du Maurier, but it was director Alfred Hitchcock who developed it into a full-length film.

Iconic Poster

The movie’s poster featuring a bird perched on actress Tippi Hedren’s head has become one of the most recognizable movie posters of all time.

Real Birds Were Used

Unlike many films that use animatronics or special effects, Hitchcock insisted on using real birds for most of the shots in the movie.

Filming Locations

The majority of “The Birds” was filmed on location in Bodega Bay, California, giving the movie an authentic coastal atmosphere.

No Bird Trainers

Hitchcock trained the birds himself, as there were no professional bird trainers available at the time.

Tippi Hedren’s Debut Film

The Birds” marked actress Tippi Hedren’s film debut, launching her acting career.

Fierce Competition for the Lead Role

Hedren beat out hundreds of other actresses for the lead role of Melanie Daniels.

Hitchcock’s Cameo

As with many of his films, Hitchcock made a cameo appearance in “The Birds” as a man leaving the pet shop with two dogs.

Sound Effects

The movie’s sound effects team created the sounds of the bird attacks by using a combination of real bird calls and electronic synthesis.

Psychic Connection

Hitchcock chose not to give a specific reason for the bird attacks, leaving it up to the audience to interpret, adding a sense of mystery and suspense.

The Iconic Attack Scene

The most famous scene in “The Birds” is the attack on the school children, where they are ambushed by flocks of birds while trying to escape.

Box Office Success

Upon its release in 1963, “The Birds” was a commercial success, grossing over $11 million at the box office.

Hitchcock’s Love for Birds

Hitchcock had a fascination with birds and often incorporated them into his movies, as seen in “Psycho” and “Marnie.

Tippi Hedren’s Fear of Birds

Ironically, Tippi Hedren developed a fear of birds during the filming of “The Birds” due to the constant exposure to them during the production.

The Infamous Noises

The eerie screeches and cries of the birds in the movie were achieved by manipulating the calls of seagulls and other birds.

The Use of Mechanical Birds

While most of the birds in the movie were real, some scenes required the use of mechanical birds controlled by puppeteers.

Mixed Critical Reception

The initial critical reception for “The Birds” was mixed, with some praising Hitchcock’s direction and the suspenseful atmosphere, while others found the plot lacking depth.

Hitchcock’s Signature Style

“The Birds” showcases Hitchcock’s signature style of suspense and psychological tension, a hallmark of his career.

Memorable Quotes

“The Birds” is known for its memorable quotes, such as Melanie Daniels’ line, “Why are they doing this? Why are they doing this? They said when you got here, the whole thing started. Who are you? What are you? Where did you come from? I think you’re the cause of all of this. I think you’re evil! Evil!”

Influence on Future Films

The Birds” has had a lasting impact on the horror genre, inspiring future filmmakers to explore the concept of nature turning against humans.

Hitchcock’s Attention to Detail

Hitchcock meticulously storyboarded and planned every scene in “The Birds,” ensuring that each shot contributed to the overall suspense and tension.

Avian Hitchcock

Due to his affinity for birds, Hitchcock was often referred to as “The Master of Suspense” or “The Avian Hitchcock.”

The Sound of Wings

Hitchcock wanted the sound of the birds’ wings to be silent in the movie to create a sense of unease and unexpectedness.

The Unseen Attackers

In “The Birds,” the audience rarely sees the birds attacking directly, adding to the suspense and mysteriousness of the film.

Hedren’s Dedication

During the filming of the attic attack scene, Hedren endured real bird bites and scratches to make the scene more realistic.

Multiple Birds Used

Over 3,200 live birds were used during the filming of “The Birds,” ranging from sparrows and seagulls to ravens and crows.

Hidden Symbolism

Many critics believe that “The Birds” serves as an allegory for the tumultuous relationship between Hitchcock and Hedren during the production.

Marion Crane Connection

The character of Melanie Daniels in “The Birds” shares the same last name as Janet Leigh’s character in Hitchcock’s previous film, “Psycho.”

A Paranoia-Inducing Score

The score for “The Birds” was composed by Bernard Herrmann, whose use of screeching violins and dissonant chords heighten the sense of paranoia throughout the movie.

A Real Attack on Set

During the filming of the climactic attack scene at the Brenner house, Tippi Hedren’s face was cut by a bird after a miscommunication with the prop handler.

The Existence of a Sequel

In 1994, a made-for-television sequel titled “The Birds II: Land’s End” was released, although it failed to capture the same level of success as the original.

No CGI

Given the time period in which it was made, “The Birds” relies solely on practical effects and skilled editing, as CGI had not yet been developed.

Hitchcock’s Golden Globe Nomination

Alfred Hitchcock received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Director for his work on “The Birds,” but ultimately did not win the award.

Cultural References

The Birds” has been referenced and parodied numerous times in popular culture, cementing its status as a classic horror film.

An Influential Director

Hitchcock’s innovative camera techniques and storytelling methods in “The Birds” continue to inspire filmmakers and industry professionals to this day

Alternative Endings

The movie originally had an alternative ending where the birds continued their attack, but it was changed to a more ambiguous ending to leave the audience guessing.

Psychological Themes

“The Birds” delves into psychological themes such as isolation, paranoia, and the breakdown of societal order in the face of an unknown threat.

A Cultural Phenomenon

The Birds” has achieved cult status over the years, with fans hosting themed parties, screenings, and even bird-themed art exhibits in its honor.

Timeless Suspense

Decades after its release, “The Birds” continues to be hailed as a timeless classic in the horror and suspense genre, captivating audiences with its relentless avian terror.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “The Birds” is a classic Hitchcock film that continues to captivate audiences with its suspenseful storyline and groundbreaking visual effects. With its masterful direction, compelling performances, and iconic bird attack sequences, the film has become a timeless masterpiece in the world of cinema. Whether you’re a fan of horror movies or simply appreciate the art of filmmaking, “The Birds” is definitely a must-watch.

FAQs

1. Is “The Birds” a true story?

No, “The Birds” is not based on a true story. It is a work of fiction inspired by a short story written by Daphne du Maurier.

2. Are the birds in the movie real?

No, the birds in the movie are not real. Alfred Hitchcock and his team used a combination of live birds, mechanical birds, and special effects to create the illusion of the bird attacks.

3. Where was “The Birds” filmed?

The majority of “The Birds” was filmed on location in Bodega Bay, California. Hitchcock chose the area for its picturesque scenery and coastal setting.

4. What was the inspiration behind “The Birds”?

The movie was based on a short story of the same name by Daphne du Maurier. Hitchcock was drawn to the idea of ordinary creatures turning into terrifying predators and decided to bring the story to life on the big screen.

5. Did the movie win any awards?

While “The Birds” didn’t win any major awards, it received critical acclaim for its technical achievements and has since been recognized as one of Hitchcock’s finest works.