THE BIRDCAGE
A film review by Ben Hoffman
Copyright 1996 Ben Hoffman
It was way back in 1978 that La Cage Aux Folles, the hilarious French film about homosexuals, the transvestite nightclub, the owner, his partner (in more ways than one), first arrived here. It was an instant critical and box office success. That could only mean one thing: a sequel. Three years later that arrived but the truism about sequels held and so that was an instant flop. Since everyone thinks "I can do anything better than you," another sequel arrived 3 years later and it was an abomination. That brings us to today's version, "The birdcage ." directed by Mike Nichols and oooh!. Vive la difference..
Nichols' version brings the story not merely up to date but demonstrates the difference between the "family values." rightwing politicians are pushing and what the value of a family really is. And Nichols' direction plus Elaine May's script are right on target.
About the cast: Everyone is exactly right; the casting is perfect. So much has been said and written about Robin Williams (who here plays the father of a "straight" son) it is almost superfluous to say more. But in a couple of seconds he can take you from laughter to tears and back. Would that there were more fathers like Armand Goldman, the gay father.
In the most wonderful performance of a very successful career in cinema, the one who got to me as the most brilliant was Dianne Weist as Louise Keeley, the wife of the conservative Senator (Gene Hackman) who are the parents of the lovely Barbara (Calista Flockhart). Special mention should be made, too, of Dan Futterman. who plays Armand's loving, devoted son to his father and father's partner, Albert (Nathan Lane.) Lane, who is mostly known for his work on the Broadway stage, is terrific. The whole movie is terrific. Did I like it? No, I loved it..
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Copyright 1996 Ben Hoffman
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