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The Natural History of the Chicken
Through interviews and reenactments, The Natural History of the Chicken investigates the role of the chicken in American life and tells several remarkable stories. A Maine farmer says she found a chicken frozen stiff, but was able to resuscitate it. Colorado natives tell a story of the chicken who lost its head-- and went on living. A Virginia farmer tells about (and demonstrates) the benefits of raising chickens for his own consumption. Perhaps most surprising is the case of the Florida woman: she bathes her pet bird, and takes it both swimming and shopping. Through these and other stories, this documentary illuminates the role that chickens play in (some of) our lives.
| Release : | 2000 |
| Rating : | 7 |
| Studio : | Channel 4 Television, DeVillier Donegan Enterprizes, Mark Lewis Radio Pictures, |
| Crew : | Art Direction, Assistant Camera, |
| Cast : | |
| Genre : | Comedy Documentary |
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Reviews
People are voting emotionally.
Memorable, crazy movie
I wanted to but couldn't!
Good story, Not enough for a whole film
Mark Lewis has made several quirky documentaries about animals--such as about dogs, cats, cane toads and in this case, the chicken. In the case of this chicken film, the show seems very episodic--with a wide variety of folks discussing chickens. Some are farmers, some are people who HATED that their neighbor suddenly started raising very LOUD chickens, some talk about the famous headless chicken ('Mike') owned by Olie, and some seemed just plain infatuated with them! One woman, in particular, has a pet chicken that she dotes over and adores--just like a puppy. I will make no comments about this lady--you just have to see her to believe her! In addition to all the odd stories and characters you also briefly take a trip to a HUGE egg-producing facility that was a bit disturbing--the chickens really were crammed together very tightly. You also, at a GREAT distance, see a guy beheading a chicken and discussing how this is something people don't want to think about--but we DO eat chickens! There's nothing exactly profound or deep about this film. Just an odd little celebration of this animal. Still, in a strange way, it's quite watchable. A decent time-passer.
I have seen negative reviews of this very good film elsewhere that were the result of the title "misleading" viewers. While I'll grant that the title is a little quirky (just like the characters), the actual content is so interesting, funny and entertaining that all should be easilly forgiven. This is a type of documentary, but not a purely scientific study aimed at agriculture majors. There is definitely a point of view, but it is not heavy or negative.You will never feel the same again about chickens or some of their amazing owners. It will not stop you from eating the birds, except, perhaps, those unfortunate ones raised in today's horrible warehouse "farms." Don't chicken out -- watch this film!
As a documentary editor and film-maker (Tesla: Master of Lightning, Korean War Stories) I know how hard putting a piece like this together can be. I make a good portion of my living from publicly funded television, but this, even more than the checks I've recieved from my bosses, made me say, "Thank God for PBS." In this day and age, a piece of work this odd, beautiful, and though-provoking could only have been made possible by public television.Congratulations to all involved with "The Natural History of the Chicken."
The director said this is his celebration of the chicken. He is right. I really enjoyed this film. It shows the charming stories of chickens living on a lovely Maine farm. It also shows the horrors of chickens living in factories. But, it does not preach, only gives you the facts. I highly recommend it. You won't believe the re-enactments!
