One less-obvious didactic accomplishment of the film: take all things in moderation. Stroud's initial devotion to cold, indiscriminate inclemency is what sealed his fate. Waiting twelve years before even once saying "thank you" to his prison guard, Stroud must have been trying to stay for life. His less-than-gregarious nature may have been the motive. Regardless, he would have accomplished far more science on the outside, where wardens have no jurisdiction. Had he not fanned the flames of prison simpletons, an early release might have resulted in cures to human diseases, as well as avian.
Review of Birdman of Alcatraz
