The Birds Suspense Scene Analysis

The Birds, a classic thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock, keeps its viewers in constant suspense waiting for the next mass bird attack. There is one scene in particular that opens with Melanie, the main female character, sitting on a bench located in front of a playground at the local town school. Children can be heard from inside the school singing a tune. As the scene continues, birds can be seen gathering on the equipment behind her until the entire jungle gym set is covered. At that point, Melanie rushes inside to warn the children. The teacher then instructs them to calmly walk outside. Once the children reach the street they begin the run. It is at that moment the mass of birds attack. An extensive amount of the scene is spent on this

For one, she is the main object in clear focus. This brings the viewers direct, and immediate attention to her as they wait to see clues as to what she is looking restlessly at in the distance. The camera then cuts from her to the gathering birds behind her many times. Each time more birds have arrived. This creates a great feeling of suspense because the viewer cannot continuously see the ever-building, inevitable fait behind her. They are left to little snippets, and an ever present sense of question. Each time the camera goes back to Melanie she is in the same position, facing away from the events occurring behind her. This leaves the audience with the desire to yell at her to just look behind her shoulder. It is not until the camera changes angles to an oblique angle that brings into view one last flying bird about to land in the playground. Melanie is then shown following the viewpoint this angle portrays when she finally sees what had been building behind her. This part of the scene may be quite simple with little substance or conversation, but still the viewers never lose interest because of the wide range of interesting camera techniques