7.1
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Dead Birds
1963·Movie
·1h 24min·
Dead Birds fingerprint
No humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension4
- Spectacle3
- Violence3
Heart
Melancholic
- Melancholy7
- Pathos6
- Wonder5
Humor
Serious throughout
- Situational Comedy0
- Wit & Wordplay0
- Physical Comedy0
World
Faith and meaning and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Novelty6
- Ambiguity5
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Direction6
- Acting5
- Narrative Structure5
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Sound Centrality6
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Dead Birds is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace1Quick tempo and momentum.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Warfare5Battles, strategy, and conflict.
All heart traits
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics2Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Romance0Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Spiritual9Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay0Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
MediumFaith and meaning and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around faith and meaning and history. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Dialogue Centrality3Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability2Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Spiritual9Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Warfare5Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Craft
LowSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Direction6Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting5Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure5Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth4Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue4Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity3Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality2Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Composition5Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality4Songs central to storytelling.
Who it's for
AdultsPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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About
The film's title is borrowed from a Dani fable that Gardner recounts in voice-over. The Dani people, whom Gardner identifies mysteriously as "a mountain people," believe that there was once a great race between a bird and a snake, which was to determine the lives of human beings. Should men shed their skins and live forever like snakes, or die like birds? The bird won the race, dictating that man must die. The film's plot revolves around two characters, Weyak and Pua. Weyak is a warrior who guards the frontier between the land of his tribe and that of the neighboring tribe. Pua is a young boy whom Gardner depicts as weak and inept.
Anthropological CinemaDocumentary StyleIndigenous CulturePhilosophical MeditationVisual EthnographySlow Paced NarrativeExistential ThemesCinematic HistoryControversial RepresentationPoetic Realism
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Composed by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Dead Birds
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Dead Birds worth watching?
58
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 58/100 (IMDb 7.1). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is Dead Birds?
1 h 24 min
Dead Birds runs 1 h 24 min.
What language is Dead Birds in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in Papua New Guinea, United States.
What tropes does Dead Birds use?
Haunted HouseEldritch AbominationMouth Stitched ShutSinister MinisterScary ScarecrowOld, Dark HouseEyeless FaceDemonic PossessionDowner EndingHuman-to-Werewolf FootprintsSavage SouthWe Hardly Knew Yeand 51 more
TV Tropes lists 63 storytelling tropes for Dead Birds, including Haunted House, Eldritch Abomination, Mouth Stitched Shut.