The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill
Directed by Judy Irving.
Starring Mark Bittner.
Initially apprehensive about reviewing the film as I thought it would be boring, I ended leaving the cinema happy that I had watched it.
This excellent simple documentary as the title suggests is concerned with a flock of wild parrots; however, it is also a film about Mark Bittner, a truly remarkable man. The film, produced by Pelican Media Production, is well worth watching. It is set primarily on or near Telegraph Hill in San Francisco, USA.
Mark Bittner treats the 45 wild parrots as his own pets. He says that he loves his birds and that he “identifies with all the birds.” He has unique names for all of them. The film personalises some of the specific parrots by name, in particular, Connor (a different species of parrot), Olive, Mingus, Pushkin, Tupelo, Picasso & Sophie. The film also shows us some of the aggression and behaviour in the flock. This documentary was produced, directed and edited by Judy Irving. It also includes aerial views of San Francisco.
The film also centres around Mark who is a jobless man living for several years on the Hill and who became curious about the parrots. He stated that he never really pursued any kind of career, although he once aspired to be a rock star. The documentary tells us why he became attached to the birds. Mark is an intelligent, empathic and thoughtful man, who sometimes engages in self-examination. Humorously, his neighbours remark that perhaps they like Mark should grow beards and wear denim to attract the birds. Mark focuses on some of his favourite birds, describing their distinctive traits. The director uses footage that depicts these characteristics.
The film is moving in places, sometimes painful, even tragic, but always beautiful and inspiring. I was moved to a slight tear about his description of the death of one of his parrots called Tupelo. In my opinion the film is far more inspiring than many Hollywood blockbusters. It is a film that contains not guns, only a few negative comments about hawks, cats and some people who want the birds exterminated (the parrots are not native to the area). The film also gives general background information on bird life in San Francisco and the various urban legends about how these South American parrots came to exist in the area.
This movie combines beautiful photography with a touching story line that gains depth as the movie progresses. We become aware of Mark and his relationship with the film maker. The last part of the film deals with the fate of the birds now that Mark has to vacate his small ‘rent-free’ home of the last three years.
Don’t let the title deter you. I was surprised by how I felt at the end. The film is a simple short story, worth the effort to see.
Ron Hermann
An early treat in this film is hearing the sweet and dulcet tones of Jack Kerouac singing city blues.
Mark Bittner spent 15 years on the streets of San Francisco searching for the 'grail'. He abandoned his quest to become a 'rock star' and eventually found a calling, 'a reason for being'. He became 'parrot man'.
Inspired by Gary Snyder's advice to search for nature 'within the moment', Mark became 'Buddhist still' and a 'flock of galahs' settled. They become habituated to him or perhaps as one neighbor suggested, to his jeans and ponytail. A pony tail he will cut off when he finds his mate.
Mark Bittner introduces his flock of red crested parrots, with respect. We see them feed and dance and love and grieve and fight and die. He insists that these parrots are 'wild' and indeed there is ample evidence of the bird's healthy startle response, but there is so much more. Mingus dances the blues and prefers to stay at home. A bird with 'agoraphobia'? Blue crested, Connor stands Samurai sentry and defends the weak. Sophie loves her Picasso.
Could the real wild parrot please stand up?
Lou Crow
