The Natural History of the Chicken

The Natural History of the Chicken is a remarkable and creative documentary, directed by Mark Lewis that initially aired on PBS in the year 2000. The impressively crafted film gives viewers a unique and entertaining examination of the ubiquitous household pet and source of sustenance - the chicken. From the quiet countryside to suburban backyards, The Natural History of Chicken shares extraordinary stories and reveals lesser-known facets of the life of this barnyard bird.

This unusual chronicle is not wholly about the evolutionary history or commercial utility of chickens, as the title might suggest. Instead, it is a compilation of surprising and heartwarming stories that explore our complex relationship with these creatures. It is designed as a series of wide-ranging vignettes that examine the bird's role in American life and culture, presented in a way usually reserved for human-interest stories. This engaging approach masterfully ties together disparate elements, seamlessly weaving in historical, social, and cultural references.

The documentary's storylines are varied and compelling. They paint vivid pictures of the remarkable influence and affinity that chickens have with human society. You'll discover how chickens are not only farmers' assets but how they can also become their family members, admired pets, and at times, a lifeline. One of the tales featured is a New England woman who provides "chicken CPR" to save a frozen chicken from the dead. Meanwhile, another plot uncovers the deep connection between a Florida woman and her rooster.

A vignette of a heated court battle over fowl foul smell and noise in a Connecticut community enlightens the viewer to urban chicken-keeping's trials. On a starkly different note is the touching tale of Liza, a chicken saved from becoming a meal who goes on to have a movie made about her. Meanwhile, a segment about the heritage breed, “Silkies,” introduces a chicken beauty pageant in the heart of California. While these plots may seem funny and eccentric at first, they speak volumes about our connection with these poultry creatures.

The Natural History of the Chicken is also paradoxical in its approach, contrasting scenes of poultry farms across America's heartland with accounts of city dwellers keeping them as companion animals. These conflicting settings highlight how chickens reside in various stages of our food chain, besides showing us the not-so-glamorous life on chicken farms and the seeming paradox of pet chickens living pampered lives in urban backyards.

Laughter is a common theme in this documentary courtesy of the unexpected humor derived from presenting serious human-like narratives around undervalued poultry animals. The filmmakers use hilarious arbitrary superhero-style animations and dramatic music to elevate the engaging factor of each story. Yet, beneath the humor, the film poses some substantial philosophical questions about animal rights, ethical farming, and our food sources. It encourages viewers to reflect upon their interactions with the farmyard fowl.

The depth of the content is further bolstered by the excellent quality of filmmaking. The director's use of dramatic re-enactments, beautifully shot visuals, smart editing, and a varied musical score adds a profound theatrical gravity and charm to the film. Its whimsical voice-over narration guides you intriguingly through the stories, adding a layer of familiarity and warmth.

The Natural History of the Chicken moves away from the traditional wildlife documentary format into a delightful, whimsical exploration of an animal that is often overlooked despite being omnipresent in human culture. With its fun-filled and touching vignettes, the documentary paints an anthropomorphized picture of chickens while inviting viewers to recognize and appreciate these humble creatures' complexity and individuality.

In conclusion, The Natural History of the Chicken is an unorthodox but enlightening documentary that is proud of its peculiar subject matter. It is a sincere celebration of chickens' roles, a salute to their resilience, evoking everything from laughter to deep thought, leaving audiences with a newfound respect for these feathered citizens and their place in the natural world. In essence, this documentary is likely to change a few perspectives and certainly adds a new dimension to the age-old question, "why did the chicken cross the road?"