Artwork for podcast Subversive Cinema
Birdemic: Shock and Terror (2010)
Episode 1429th October 2021 • Subversive Cinema • Art Hall
00:00:00 00:42:26

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A story about the environment, survival, bloodthirsty birds, and terrible CGI.

Listen in as me and my guest, Dave, talk through this film that makes you wonder what the hell you are watching.

Written and directed by James Nguyen (Birdemic 2: The Resurrection, Birdemic 3: Sea Eagle, Julie and Jack), Variety called the film a "compendium of cinematic don'ts [which] gives it a goofy, almost surrealist charm." The Village Voice said the "actors perform so terribly that you can't even put a finger on what is wrong with these people?" Both are correct, but don't let that dissuade you from seeing this film. It is so utterly off-center one must see it to believe it. That said, we certainly try to crack its shell in this episode.

It tells the story of software salesman extraordinaire Rod as he reconnects with an old schoolmate, Nathalie, who just happens to be a model on the rise. As the two grow closer together, quiet rumblings of mankind's gradual assault on the planet and its adverse effects are put more and more on display. From fast news reports to full on exposé level commentary, the emphasis on man's screwing the world grows front and center. And then the birds come. That's when shit gets real. Real ridiculous. Ever see a bunch of identical bald eagle dive bomb a city? You will. Ever see those same eagles float menacingly about people but not do harm? You will. Ever see those selfsame eagles also rip open throats when the plot calls for it? Oh... You will.

Hitchcock ain't got nothin' on this, baby!

The film is currently available on Amazon Prime, Fandor, and Tubi.

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