The Birds (film) - Reception and Interpretation

Reception and Interpretation

The Birds received a Rotten Tomatoes approval rating of 95%. The eminent film critic David Thomson refers to The Birds as Hitchcock's "last unflawed film".

Humanities scholar Camille Paglia wrote a monograph about The Birds for the BFI Film Classics series. She interprets the film as an ode to the many facets of female sexuality and, by extension, nature itself. She notes that women play pivotal roles in The Birds. Mitch is defined by his relationships with his mother, sister and ex-lover – a careful balance which is disrupted by his attraction to the beautiful Melanie.

The film was honored by the American Film Institute as the seventh greatest thriller and Bravo awarded it the 96th spot on their "The 100 Scariest Movie Moments" for the scene when the birds attack the city.

American Film Institute Nominations

• AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies
• AFI's 100 Years...100 Heroes & Villains
  • Birds (Villains) Nominated
• AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies (10th Anniversary Edition)