briankrakow's Full Review: Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill
Most documentaries about animals try to give us a glimpse into how they live with as little human interaction as possible. In doing so, we get a sense of
how they interact with each other but not how they interact with humans. The new documentary 'The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill' is interesting because it
does exactly the opposite. It tells the story of Mark Bittner, a homeless man who fed and took care of a flock of wild parrots (specifically cherry headed conures) on San Francisco's Telegraph Hill for a period of three years.
Bittner came to San Francisco in the midst of the Beat generation. His dream was to be a musician. We never find out how or why he became homeless, but by
the time the film begins he has secured himself a place to stay. The place is a small guest house on Telegraph Hill, where the owners appreciate what he has done for the parrots and let him stay there for free. Bittner uses this house
to take in sick birds so they can be nursed back to health and he also keeps one bird that actually prefers to be indoors. At this point in his life, he really has no other goals or aspirations.
Bittner is not like most people's idea of an average homeless person. He seems very intelligent and well spoken. He is also very observant. Bittner pays so much attention to these birds that he has named the entire flock of over two dozen parrots. He explains to us the many differences between each bird that most people would never even notice, such as slight differences in the color or simple behavioral characteristics. He believes that these parrots are capable of complex emotional interaction, not just within their own species, but with humans as well. This documentary does a wonderful job of supporting his theory.
What I really loved about this film is we don't just listen to Bittner tell us what these birds are like or how they behave in certain situations. Director Judy Irving has taken enough time and care to show us these moments. When Bittner explains that the grumpy loner Connor (the only blue headed conure in the flock) will actually stick up for a sick bird when it is attacked by other birds, we actually get to see that happening. We also get to see a determined father parrot who is forced to take care of his young on his own. I really appreciated Irving's determination to film these most specific and intimate moments. It really helps reinforce the movie's theme that these parrots (and animals in general) are capable of the varied emotions and attitudes that we usually only assign to humans.
Despite being a documentary, the film has a strong narrative structure. The specific birds become strong, well developed characters in the story. Particularly interesting is the aforementioned Connor, whose mate (the only other blue hair) died and has been unable to find a new one because he is unlike the other parrots. Also interesting is Mingus, the indoor bird who occasionally has an attitude problem. The ominous Hawks that circle overhead looking for smaller birds to prey on are the frightening villains in the story. Irving even inserts herself in the film at certain key points. This seemed unnecessary at first, but as the story continues to unfold it makes complete sense.
There are two transcendent moments in this movie that I will never forget. The first involves Bittner talking about the last living moments of a sick bird he had taken inside. It's heartbreaking enough already, but when we find out where the bird died it becomes indescribably moving. The other moment is a truly shocking and graphic still shot. I will not describe what is involved, but it's a stunning moment that feels like a hammer to your gut.
The only part of this film I did not like was the very beginning. Our first glimpse of Bittner and the birds comes when he is being asked a series of questions by curious visitors. Unlike the rest of the film, the scene feels forced and awkward. I felt a little anxious at this point, as the film seemed to be on the level of an average PBS documentary. Thankfully this is only a brief scene. Irving does not use this technique much else in the film, wisely allowing Bittner to narrate the film on his own.
'The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill' is a beautiful and moving film. Director Judy Irving has crafted a very interesting film that will make you think twice about your perceptions of how humans and animals can interact on an emotional level. On top of that, she has told a very interesting story. The surprising denouement is incredibly uplifting and makes everything work.
Currently, this movie has only opened in New York and California. It will be expanding and making a run in various parts of the country through May. For a complete listing of scheduled cities, please go to the film's website at http://www.wildparrotsfilm.com/seeit.html
This documentary follows the ups-and-downs of a flock of urban parrots in San Francisco and the aging bohemian who befriends, feeds and names them. Al...More at HotMovieSale.com
An engrossing, delightful film (The Washington Post), Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill is the bonafide sleeper theatrical hit of the year.The film s end...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.