Dead Birds
Dead Birds is a little known jewel of a horror movie from 2004. The film has a recognizable cast, even though many of the principles weren’t as recognizable at the time. Henry Thomas, that little bastard that ruined E.T., stars in the film and he is all grown up. Michael Shannon, who gives a stunning performance in Bug, does just as noteworthy a job in Dead Birds as the racist lowlife of the group. Isaiah Washington, who is now making it big on Grey’s Anatomy, also plays a slave who butts heads with Shannon’s character. Finally, Mark Boone Junior (Unknown, 2 Fast 2 Furious), the consummate shady character makes an appearance. The cast seemed to have gelled on this film and it is definitely one of the bright spots of the movie. Who knew that Henry Thomas could be anything other than a big pussy on screen?
The film is the story of a group of Civil War deserters who rob a bank and decide to hide in an abandoned mansion that one of the men knows about. Once they get to the house, strange things starts happening, visions, voices, footprints… all the good stuff.
Alex Turner directed this hidden gem. Unfortunately, it seems to have remained so hidden that he hasn’t made another thing since. Turner has a talent for capturing interiors and providing them with an ominous mood. Turner manages to turn the creepy old Southern mansion into a character all of its own. The only flaw in Turner’s performance is that perhaps he lingers too long on interiors and shots where nothing is actually happening.
The movie has a fairly plodding pace that many viewers will find it hard to enjoy. If you are a fan of good acting and strong atmosphere, you may yet enjoy the movie. Despite the movies seeming lack of direction or point, the film’s finale makes all of the plodding seem worth it. The end of the movie is oddly beautiful in a symmetrical way.
The special effects in this film are rare, but stunning. The opening gunfight is choreographed perfectly and is definitely one of the highlights of the film. When there is gore in the film it is realistically done and exquisitely violent.
Overall, Dead Birds is a nice little horror movie. It’s never going to take the world by storm, but it does do some things extremely well. The slow pace and seeming meaninglessness of the film will make it hard for some people to make it to the payoff at the end of the movie.
Final Synopsis: If you like atmosphere, this movie has it. If you get a kick out of quality casts giving quality performances, then this is good. I think the film is at least worth a watch. Gorehounds might be briefly entertained and appreciative, but the pace if definitely not sustained over the course of the movie.
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