Lyman works the night shift for the highway department, and he is quickly established as a loner who doesn't interact socially with many people, but who takes classes at the local college to better himself. Oddly, it turns out later that he has been taking a lot of language courses (including sign language). So for someone who doesn't really speak to anyone, it's a bit strange that he spends his time learning how to communicate. He also collects other people's trophies. So yeah, a bit of an odd character.
Fiona James (Rachel Nichols) works as a librarian and has taken an interest in Lyman. She's a quirky character - actually, she's a bit bonkers. Anyone who puts clothing on a dog is little nuts. Also, she shows up at Lyman's home uninvited, after figuring out where he lived. (She sort of stalks him at first.) So even though at first it's unclear just why she's interested in Lyman, or why Lyman wears his orange jumpsuit everywhere he goes, even when not working, it soon makes sense that these two would become something of a couple. And she helps him in his quest to find the origin of the bird.
I know very little about parrots, but it turns out they can live fairly long lives, and so the story allows for a lot of supporting roles in the previous owners of the bird. Far and away my favorite is Buck Henry as Duncan Weber. His is the most charming supporting role, and in his short scene you can see an entire lifetime. It's amazing how someone can create such a complete and full character so quickly. Judith Ivey is also completely wonderful as another of the bird's previous owners. There is a great humor in her performance, as well as a certain sadness. She is another actor who can create an entire history with just a few lines.
The film itself has a distinct charm. And it's an unusual tale with interesting characters. The movie isn't perfect, however. For example, it has completely unnecessary narration by a supporting character at a few points, and each time it happens it pulls you out of the film. And there are a few scenes that don't seem to fit, like the bit with the guy who wants to hurt his Mustang. But it does win you over. And one thing I like is that it doesn't shy completely from some of the horrific results of car accidents.
The DVD's special features include a commentary track by director Margaret Whitton. There are also two very short behind-the-scenes featurettes, both having to do with the same scene, one of the final scenes of the film. The first is on location, and the second, titled "Floyd Flies," is in a sound stage. Both have no sound from the day, but rather music accompanying the footage. And there is a series of interviews, the first of which is with Dave Sousa, the animal trainer. The interview with Margaret Whitton has to be the shortest interview with a director I've ever seen on a DVD. The interviews with actors Rachel Nichols and Jackson Hurst are longer. Rachel talks about her character and about the director; Jackson talks about going after the role. The final interview is with screenwriter Roger Towne. And of course the special features also include the film's trailer.
By the way, New England Patriots fan take note: there is a Patriots sticker on Fiona's car, as her character is from Maine. Go Pats!
A Bird Of The Air was directed by Margaret Whitton. This is her directorial debut. The screenplay is by Roger Towne, and based on the novel The Loop by Joe Coomer (The Loop was the film's original title as well). The DVD was released on April 10, 2012.
What was the meaning of the mustang keep showing up, when it had nothing to do with the bird thanks
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