TMA 102 Thought Paper #2 Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill PDF

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Analysis essay on a required artistic film....

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Ondine Morgan Garner

TMA 102-001

Documentary - Parrots from Telegraph Hill

Unlike many documentaries centered on animal life, Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill gives less attention to the scientific elements of the animals and more to the personalized relationship they possess with a man who desires nothing less to relate and understand them as intelligent creatures. This unique documentary speaks to the ideology that although two species (namely a human being and a flock of wild parrots) may differentiate in physiology, they share a variety of commonalities that reflect the ultimate and universal desire to pursue freedom and feel loved. This implicit theme is shown through the simplistic nature of the cinematography and sound use, voices given to the voiceless, exposure to the everyday, and minimal use of propagandic overtones. Mark Bittner, an unsuccessful musician, lives a nearly homeless life in urbanized San Francisco in the early 2000’s. He has spent the past 14 years working odd jobs, none of which were satisfying to his life, following a failed attempt to pursue a music career. In the midst of an identity crisis, Bittner makes contact with a wild flock of parrots to which he falls passionately in love thenso giving his existence purpose. The documentary purposefully introduces him as a gentle and agreeable man, perhaps even normal on the surface, while at the same time humbly introducing his somewhat bizarre lifestyle that influences audiences to conclude that he is anything but common. The soft spoken director, Judy Irving, speaks minimally in the film and when questions are asked both Bittner and Irving are off camera. During these simple conversations, the camera continues to take simple shots of the city and the birds; this technique adds to the easy going pace of the documentary that closely matches the personality of Bittner. What audiences grasp about the birds themselves, described as cherry-headed conures, is exclusively given by Bittner with light commentary from city locals and scientist John Aikin. Bittner has no prior scientific experience and his descriptions of the birds are strictly personal and relationship based. He describes the parrots as more intelligent than other bird breeds, reminding him of monkeys in the way they communicate and move. The film is sectioned into various segments with each focused on a particular bird introduced by Bittner. These birds include but are not limited to Mingus, a feisty yet loving homebody who prefers the inside of Bittner’s apartment rather than the wild; Connor, an older bird, lonely and crotchety due to his differentiating species as a blue-crowned conure; and Sophie and Picasso, the little, crippled french lovers who take care of one another until Picasso tragically disappears. Bittner hopes that maybe one day Connor and Sophie will develop a relationship as Sophie has nerve damage and Connor is a loner in need of a mate. Distinct to this documentary is the rawness of human interaction. Interviewees are not driven by specific questions; in fact, San Francisco natives are rarely asked to comment separate from Bittner and when they do they discuss topics about the simplicities of their lives and of Bittner’s. For example, one short segment is dedicated to Bittner’s landlords and why they allow him to live in their small cottage for free. They appear as an everyday couple going about their lives, touched by Bittner’s unique and sensitive gift. In reference to how the birds originally came to San Francisco, around four individuals share numerous myths which then adds to the already mystical nature of the parrots. Irving individually provides brief narrations, especially towards the end of the documentary as a conclusion tool. This tool allows the audiences to view

Ondine Morgan Garner

TMA 102-001

Documentary - Parrots from Telegraph Hill

Bittner from an outside perspective and to put together what has been learned throughout his personal journey. As a way to inspire action and change, the propagandic elements of Parrots of Telegraph Hill are subtle as to not draw away from the simple intricacy of Bittner’s life. While audiences observe Bittner’s gentle yet passionate actions towards the birds they view the animals as more intelligent and human than perhaps previously perceived. In the end of the film we learn that Bittner’s landlords are renovating their property making it impossible for him to remain in the cottage; he has decided to move, although uncertain of where, leaving the birds unattended once again. He does what he can to leave the birds in the best of care, giving the disabled to shelters and attending city meetings and debates in defense of their conservation, but in the big picture there is little he can do long term for their survival. He is outwardly affected by this, as he is seen in tears following a permanent goodbye to the birds at the shelter. Separate from audiences, those in the documentary openly express their admiration for Bittner and their desire to leave the birds untouched and free from human influence. At its hopeful denouement, this nonfictional documentation is in actuality not about the human-like parrots. Rather, it is centered on the complexity of a man finding his place in the world through that which he can relate. Mark Bittner doesn’t like to be held down, he yearns for flexibility and depth, and he admires freedom through being. These birds symbolize these ideas, through their ability to fly, change where they habitat, and develop traits that define who they are....