
Sometimes our efforts to be everything and equal and similar, can leave us in the nudity of our own shortcomings. The outcome is one of the most epic films produced by Pixar, and it was granted an Oscar for best animated short film in 2001, along with an Annie Award and a mention at the Sitges Festival. This daring act arouses a whole host of criticisms, whispers, annoying and adorable gestures that evoke a thousand smiles and hysterical laughter. Our protagonist persists and resists, and rather than creeping in slowly to break the ice, he decides to make himself comfortable right in between all of them. He doesn’t care that they don’t make room for him on the cable. He does not mind that none of these birds return the greeting. That friendly smile at some moments becomes curious and also pious, because when facing a group of negative and unfriendly creatures, the only force that definitely works is goodness and kindness. His smile is not lost at any point it is his cover letter, his strength and his charm. The best part of “For the Birds” is the attitude of our protagonist. The way the strange, zany bird faces this group of rowdy birds who look at his presence on the power line with much suspicion. Something that not many people can take pride in. Far from integrating him, far from responding to his friendly greeting, these little conspiratorial blue jays with menacing eyes initiate a deafening squeak.īut we all know that sometimes it is better that we are criticized for being different than to become like the others, like those that at one time rejected or disregarded us.īeing different is often seen as a threat because it means we question the typical way of life, which usually offers us some sense of control and gives us security.īeing different is not a problem, actually the problem is with others for refusing to accept other perspectives, and for refusing to enrich themselves with something that is not similar to them.īeing different gives us the opportunity to enjoy being authentic and unique. Our fifteen bluebirds are alarmed by the arrival of that big, quirky bird. The arrival of an “outsider” revolutionizes the community of that class of high school students, that block that neighbors or that town. In life we find ourselves in many situations that are similar to the one represented in this short. They are like those teenagers who insist on dressing alike, or those office mates that form tight groups at work. In the opening scene, a bunch of similar birdies are chirping to one another, making a racket and moving proudly along a stage that they control in an almost military fashion. The art of being different and the effort to be similar The strange, lanky bird manages it the best he can. However, and as we all know, being different, is sometimes quite a problem. Our bird is of another race and is searching for, like any other, a place to fit in wherever his wings will take him… He has long legs, a long neck and his voice sounds different from that of the fifteen small birds.

Our protagonist is a somewhat strange bird.

We are dealing with a community of birds inhabiting a power line, but it could also be a neighboring community or a school classroom where being different is the focus of ridicule and criticism. “For the Birds” is a metaphor for life itself. It is directed by Ralph Eggleston, a well-known name within the animation industry who has worked on familiar films such as “Up,” “Toy Story,””Wall-E,”and “Finding Nemo.” If you have children at home do not hesitate to take some time with them and enjoy this 2000 production by Pixar. Just a few minutes of fun charm where you will meet a set of fifteen annoying, irritating little birds, that will make you smile, and will make you smile even more when they encounter a somewhat quirky bird. “ For the Birds” is a sublime short film.
