The Birds Analysis

The birds is a very sexist piece of cinematic work.

•  Mitch is surprised when he finds out that Melanie has a job, but two of her three days of work are spent at her father's company, implying she could not get a job elsewhere.
•    Lydia cannot fathom the idea of living alone, and even when Melanie consoles her saying that she will always have Cathy, Lydia grows upset, because she needs a strong man in her life. Once she lashes out at Mitch saying, "if only your father were here," because Mitch is not taking control of the situation, and in her opinion, not serving as the proper protector of the family, but meanwhile, she offers no helpful solutions.
• When the largest bird attack occurs downtown, the women of Bodega Bay cower in fear inside the restaurant, unwilling to fight against the birds.
•  Towards the end, back in the Brenner house, Melanie hears a noise from upstairs. When she makes the decision to investigate, her bravery is punished. She is ambushed by thousands of birds and of course, Mitch must rescue her. I was embarrassed by how utterly helpless she seemed when she couldn't get the door open to escape.