 The film depicts Hitchcock 's alleged obsession with Hedren , the American model and actress he brought from relative obscurity to star in his 1963 film The Birds . Hitchcock becomes infatuated with his leading lady ; when she rebuffs his advances , he subjects her to a series of traumatic experiences during the filming of The Birds . Hitchcock 's obsession with Hedren continues when she stars in his next production , Marnie . Hedren grows increasingly uncomfortable with his attentions , and decides that she needs to escape the situation . However , she cannot work elsewhere because of her exclusive contract with Hitchcock ; this effectively ends her Hollywood career . 
