Slow Burn
Decoder Ring: The Wrongest Bird in Movie History
Nov 7, 2024
Forrest Wickman, Slate's culture editor, dives into the cinematic blunder of a bird in *Charlie's Angels* that's left birders scratching their heads for years. Guin Dill, the animal trainer, shares the behind-the-scenes challenges of wrangling birds for film. Nathan Pieplow, a birding expert, helps unravel the mystery of the wrongly identified Pygmy Nuthatch. The discussion covers Hollywood's frequent inaccuracies, the cultural impact of this peculiar mistake, and the real joy of birdwatching in today's world.
51:41
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Quick takeaways
- Forrest Wickman's immersive birdwatching experience during the pandemic heightened his awareness of nature, paralleling cinematic misrepresentations of avian species.
- The chaotic script development process of 'Charlie's Angels' illustrates how filmmaking pressures can lead to inaccuracies and absurdities in wildlife portrayal.
Deep dives
The Joy of Birdwatching
Birdwatching has become a popular hobby for many during the pandemic, as exemplified by Forrest, who engages in serious birdwatching every morning. He dedicates significant time to observing and identifying various bird species during peak migration seasons, often rising early to maximize his observations. This experience enhances his awareness of the natural world, transforming birdwatching into a deeply immersive activity that alters his perception of the environment. As he becomes attuned to the sounds of birds, he likens the experience to entering a heightened state of consciousness, reminiscent of 'The Matrix'.
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