The Birdcage could’ve gone wrong in so many ways. It could’ve mocked the minorities it centered in the film, or insensitively made light of heavy issues. But with Mike Nichols (The Graduate) and Elaine May (The Heartbreak Kid) at the helm, and with improv legend Robin Williams and theater staple Nathan Lane front and center, The Birdcage becomes a joyously messy romp, as well as a welcome reminder of how far we’ve gone in queer representation. The film is arranged like a play, as per May’s insistence, and so it brings the consistently breathless energy of the stage to the screen. And while it’s not as politically correct by 2020's standard, it’s still surprisingly subversive in how it combats homophobic conservative ideals and stays proud of its colorful cast.
Genre: Comedy
Actor: Amy Powell, Andre Fuentes, Ann Cusack, Brian Reddy, Calista Flockhart, Christine Baranski, Dan Futterman, Dante Henderson, David Sage, Dianne Wiest, Don LaFontaine, Dorothy Constantine, Elisa Bridges, Gene Hackman, Grant Heslov, Hank Azaria, James Hill, James Lally, Jay Leno, Jim Jansen, Jody Millard, Jordan Werner, Kenneth Stephens, Kevin Loreque, Kirby Mitchell, Lee Delano, Marjorie Lovett, Mary Major, Nathan Lane, Nina Dolci, Robin Williams, Ron Pitts, Scott Burkholder, Scott Kaske, Stanley DeSantis, Sylvia Short, Thelma Gutiérrez, Tim Kelleher, Tom McGowan, Tony Gonzalez, Trina McGee
Director: Mike Nichols
Rating: R
