The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill, a documentary film by Judy Irving, is an insightful, intimate story that explores the life of Mark Bittner, a resident of Telegraph Hill, and his self styled vocation, of tending to a flock of wild parrots living in the area. The documentary reveals how he arrived at this point in his life and where his work has ultimately lead him. Mark’s story is interwoven with the story of the wild parrots, Mingus, Connor, Picasso and others; their evolution and survival in the San Francisco environment.
The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill opens with shots of San Francisco and a few close ups of a number of parrots. Soon a flock of parrots flies to Telegraph Hill where Mark Bittner is found feeding them. Passersby’s ask him questions about his relationship to the birds. Children ask if the parrots are his and do they have names? Most of the people are appreciative of what he’s doing. They are surprised and curious that some one is tending a flock of parrots in San Francisco. Mark explains that these parrots are not indigenous to California. One gentleman, probably a Republican, appears to be cynical about whether the parrots are wild since Mark feeds them and has given them names. He asks, does Mark get paid by the city to feed them? Mark tells him he does not. He asks Mark if he owns the birds. Mark explains that he does not own the birds, they are wild. That what he does is not different than someone feeding other wild birds and that these birds could survive completely on their own with out anyone feeding them. The birds surviving on their own becomes and issue in the latter part of the film.
Director Judy Irving has created an intimate portrait of a person who sincerely cares about the parrots and their survival. In the process she reveals much about how the birds live and the threats that they face. Ms Irving did most of the 16mm cinematography, and edited this documentary. There are great close-ups of Picasso, Connor and Mingus, a few of the parrot subjects of this documentary. Ms Irving’s camera work is intimate and natural, making it feel that the birds themselves are being interviewed. There are also great vistas as the birds fly across the skyline.
The cinematography in this documentary is an important factor in the films success. It portrays the natural colors of the environment and the parrots, creating composition, tone and texture that help tell the story. The shots of the parrots and Mark’s interaction with them are shot in a way that brings the viewer into the space with them. Long shots of the flocks of birds flying, their trials evading attacks and finding shelter allow a glimpse of their world.
A number of parallel themes flow though this documentary. In addition to Mark’s personal life, there’s his involvement with the parrots, how he cares for sick parrots and the parrot’s daily struggle to survive attacks from natural predators like hawks. The documentary looks into the evolution of these non-indigenous to California birds and how they have evolved in their new environment. Mark defends the parrots against groups that feel that they should be removed. There is also Judy Irving’s personal journey in making the documentary and getting to know Mark as she briings the story to the screen.
The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill is informative and enjoyable to watch. It tells a nonfiction story in way that is dramatic with many surprises along the way. It has drama, conflict and other elements that are drawn from actuality not fabricated. The Wild Parrots of Telegraph HIll has importance as a social, environmental, and nature film. This is a documentary you will want to watch more than once.
J R Martin
TRAILER
Tags: Documentary Film Review, environment, Judy Irving, Mark Bittner, Parrots, Wild Parrots of Telegraph HIll
