Andy Milligan #3 --- Nightbirds sees Milligan directing a drama with very little cast and locations. It's all shot in beautiful black and white cinematography on 16 mm film. The mostly hand-held camera moves very slowly and allows the viewer to observe the intimate moments the two main characters have with each other.
After Milligan's two horror pictures The Ghastly Ones and The Body Beneath I was quite surprised by this film. It's much different in style, though his usual themes and stage-esque dialogues are present as well. I really liked the dialogue and acting from everybody. There are some cruel moments in the latter half that are quite dark.
The London locations are well utilized. We get a few nice shots from a rooftop and some nice shots in the streets. Music-wise, the movie is very minimal. In general, it's very quiet.
My favorite Milligan film so far.
Andy Milligan (ranked)