The Birdcage (1996)
Director: Mike Nichols
Writers: Jean Poiret (play), Elaine May (screenplay)
Stars: Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Gene Hackman, Dianne Wiest, Dan Futterman, Calista Flockhart
Summary: La cage aux folles is a french play.  It was made into a movie in 1978.  In 1996, it was adapted into an American movie.  A gay cabaret owner and his drag queen companion agree to put up a false straight front so that their son can introduce them to his fiancé’s right-wing moralistic parents.

Hilarity does ensue.  Nathan Lane and Robin Williams were perfect casting for the parts of Albert and Armand. They are able to achieve the flamboyance necessary for the roll. Dan Futterman and Calista Flockhart make a cute couple and Gene Hackman and Dianne Wiest are perfect for representing a conservative Senator and his wife.

This type of movie is hard for me to watch as I tend to try to run and hide from embarrassing comedy moments and tend not to think of them as funny.  However, I didn’t feel like the jokes were too off the wall and well played for people just suddenly thrown into an awkward situation.  I don’t know how you could have put this film together any better.

It certainly deserves it’s 77% if not higher on the Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes.

5 Stars

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