Sometimes, a movie can start in a sluggish way but solid acting and a magnificent setting keep the viewer watching until the plot picks up pace. One such film is the 2001 Canadian piece “Rare Birds.” Directed by the relatively nameless Sturla Gunnarsson, “Rare Birds” is one of those movies the masses haven’t heard of, despite a flawless lead performance by a superior Academy Award winning actor.
“Rare Birds” follows the plight of Dave (William Hurt), a man down on his luck on two fronts; a looming divorce from his estranged wife, and the epic failure of his restaurant The Auk. Dave is a great chef and devout connoisseur of fine wine. The upscale restaurant sits perched on the coast of Cape Spear, Newfoundland. To say the location of The Auk is beautiful would be a gross understatement but despite the majestic setting, the business fails to draw enough clientele to stay afloat.
Dave’s friend and helper Phonce (comedian Andy Jones), advises Dave that The Auk’s problems stem from marketing. After an evening filled with debauchery (courtesy of wine and other vices) the two hatch a plan to stir up the business for the restaurant in which they will report a sighting of an extremely rare duck in the waters off the shore, drawing the curiosity of thousands of birdwatchers. “People will fly here from halfway across the world to gawk at a whale or take a picture of a Gannis.” Phonce explains, reminding Dave that he one of the top chefs in the world. The birdwatchers will then stop at the restaurant to eat, since it is the only place in the area.
“Rare Birds” is an undeniably simple movie with a straight plot and predictable finish. The great acting of Hurt and the humor of Jones (himself a native of St. John’s, Newfoundland and as such endowed with an enviable accent) make for a compelling story. Dave is a simple and innocent man, besieged with a failing business, and a failing marriage – the latter of which is tempted by Phonce’s sister-in-law Alice (Molly Parker) whom he references as the “girl from Gull Tickle”, who now must battle his own conscious as the results of the phony sighting begin to manifest.
The straight edged Dave and the wild card Phonce play off each other with a realistic synergy and will keep you laughing as they orchestrate their plan. In one hysterical scene, Dave is tasked with making a call to a cheesy radio show to report the first sighting of the bird. Dave is so nervous you’d think he was wearing a wire to visit Don Corleone, and Hurt’s performance will put you in Dave’s shoes. And of course Phonce is there to set things straight after the call is made by telling Dave how perfect he was. “You come across as a proper simpleton! They would never suspect a scheme from such an asshole!”
“Rare Birds” is a movie you’ve probably never heard of, directed by a man you’ve never watched anything from, and starring a cast you’ve no doubt not seen in anything else (save for Hurt of course) and still plays out in a succinct and enjoyable way. It’s not something you’ll rank as an all time favorite but it’s defiantly worth checking out, if not for the story than for the gorgeous setting of Cape Spear.
by – Matt Christopher
