The tyranist's thoughts
The hardest reviews I write for the Horror Film Compendium are the reviews about movies that I love and that I know many other people love. What am I supposed to do? I can't sell you on it so I guess I'll just have to share some of my feelings or perhaps delve into something a little more analytical.
First off, I have to always mention Tippi Hedren's performance. For a second film, she does a sterling job and really I can't say enough good about her. She manages to project an aloof but confused air through most of the movie until the terror really starts and then she's classic scream queen material.
The rest of the performances are pretty good as well. Witness Jessica Tandy's ability to look scared even without the visceral props. A young Veronica Cartwright is here as well, completely shaken when her teacher (the dark and mysterious Annie played by Suzanne Pleshette) is killed. The cast brings out an array of mixed emotions and strange overtures that play out as a subtle undertext to the main plot.
And speaking of the plot, it is to this day much more terrifying than even your above average horror films. There is no explanation for what is going on and for me that makes it even worse. I was struck during my last viewing by the similarities between Hitchcock's terrifying birds and the zombies in Romero's Living Dead series. They just keep coming and you never really know why they are there in the first place.
If you've never seen this film, then you should rush out and pick up a copy immediately. There simply isn't any excuse good enough. You must see this. If it's been a while since you saw it, same need. This movie deserves, nay, needs to be seen on a regular basis.