Review of The Birdcage (1996) by Dawdlingpoet — 25 Nov 2021

This is a comedy film covering themes including farce, transvestism and politicians. If I had to describe it in one word, from very early on the word that came to mind was flamboyant! having said that, I didn't feel that the gay characters were especially ridiculing the type of people they represent - yes there's a bit of 'over-the-topness' but I did feel like the characters were shown to be, at the heart of it, quite caring and not meaning any real harm, not uncaring and if anything, I liked how they weren't always entirely bothered about what others thought of them. The comedy is, as would be expected, quite slapstick and visual based for the most part and I found myself laughing quite alot but not so much at the characters as much as with them, due to the rather unlikely circumstances they find themselves in. Sometimes the uncomfortable silences said more than any specific dialogue could have and of course there's a fair amount of emphasis on body language and mannerisms but, as I say, I don't feel this is done in an utterly piss-taking sort of a way. Its hard to entirely explain why but thats what I thought anyway. If it felt entirely dismissive and ridiculing then I think I'd feel a lot less comfortable about it but I felt this film was well made. Cast wise, the main character Armand Goldman is played by the late Robin Williams. I thought he played the role very well - if his character wasn't played well, the whole film could easily fail in my eyes as he is the person who the viewer has to buy in to, to appreciate his background and identity, to feel sorry for in a respect but also to admire in another. He does appear as both emotionally vulnerable while also reasonably assertive and compassionate. Armands partner, Albert Goldman, is played by Nathan Lane, who also gives a very good performance, although he perhaps does come across a bit more like a stereotyped gay person. Other cast members include Gene Hackman as Senator Kevin Keeley, Dianne Wiest as Louise Keeley and Calista Flockhart (in her pre-Ally McBeal days) as the sons fiancee, Barbara Keeley. Hank Azaria also puts in a memorable performance as Agador, while Tom McGowan plays Harry Radman.

Content wise, this film contains (inevitably) some gay sex references, although their not especially graphic and the ocassional scenes featuring partially nude women. There is no real violence visually depicted, although there is some strong language and one or two drug references. The film has been given a 15 rating to reflect this.

I felt that the plot pace was a bit slow and dragging (no pun intended) about mid way through the film but the characterisation kept me intrigued and thus I didn't feel especially bored. There is definitely a pretty strong moral aspect to the film and I thought it was quite thought provoking, although that doesn't stop the film from being funny. The farce element of the film comes in somewhat late on in the plot - its very cringey but, of course, quite amusing regardless. I was surprised by how things worked out, plot wise but I found it an enjoyable and funny watch.I didn't feel its an outrightly mocking film, its a film with heart which isn't perfect but also isn't a long way off either.

Yes I'd happily recommend this film as I found it very funny and well made, with a good cast. It may not appeal to everyone but for what it is, I thought it was a very good comedy.