The Natural History of the Chicken

A deadpan, gently odd tour of eccentric bird keepers that plays like a wry tall tale told with a straight face.

Directed by

Mark Lewis

Genres

Documentary, Comedy

Overview

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.

How it feels

Whimsical, absurd, warm and satirical. Measured and easy to follow.

About

Nature, identity, isolation, family

Content

Mild violence and gore. No sexual content or swearing.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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