THE BIRDCAGE (1996) Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch! | Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Gene Hackman
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Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖The hosts were immediately impressed by the film's clever editing and vibrant Miami setting.
- ❖Nathan Lane's portrayal of Albert/Starina is a highlight, with his dramatic 'diva moments' being particularly hilarious.
- ❖Robin Williams' performance is noted for its understated delivery, contrasting with his usual comedic style, and his strong chemistry with Nathan Lane.
- ❖The film's central conflict—Val's parents trying to present a 'straight' image—is handled with both humor and emotional weight.
- ❖Hank Azaria's character, Agador Spartacus, is praised for his perfect comedic timing and seamless portrayal.
- ❖The hosts appreciate how the film subtly explores themes of acceptance and challenging preconceived notions through the conservative senator's interactions with the gay couple.
Insights
1Robin Williams' Understated Performance and Chemistry with Nathan Lane
The hosts highlight Robin Williams' 'phenomenal' and 'understated' performance as Armand, noting it's a departure from his typical overt comedic roles, similar to his work in 'Goodwill Hunting.' They emphasize the 'beautiful' and 'genuine' chemistry between Williams and Nathan Lane, especially in emotional scenes like the bus stop, which conveys the depth of their love without explicit dialogue.
Michael and Brandon repeatedly praise the 'phenomenal' chemistry and 'understated delivery' of Robin Williams, contrasting it with his more 'comedic person' persona, and highlighting the 'really sweet and genuine' bus stop scene.
2Progressive Themes and Timeless Relevance
Despite being released in 1996, 'The Birdcage' is lauded for its progressive storyline, particularly in its portrayal of a gay couple as primary caretakers and its exploration of identity and acceptance. The hosts note that the film doesn't feel 'a product of the '90s' and its core narrative about societal expectations and personal truth remains highly relevant today.
Brandon states the film has a 'very progressive feeling style and story, at least for the era' and 'somehow still very relevant to today.' Michael adds, 'this situation and this story could could still be relevant across a few a few decades.'
3Clever Writing and 'Straight' Comedy Delivery
The film's writing is praised for its cleverness and realism, even amidst over-the-top circumstances. The humor, especially after the two families meet, is derived from the uncomfortable, dramatic situations and the 'driest of deliveries' rather than overt jokes, making the wit of the film 'sing.'
Michael notes, 'This movie was so cleverly written' and 'the writing is so clever and it all feels real.' Brandon adds, 'the comedy and the humor... comes from the fact that it's so uncomfortable and it's so dramatic and nobody is laughing.'
4Val's Selfishness and Underlying Shame
The hosts analyze Val's motivation for asking his fathers to hide their true identities. They suggest his actions are driven by a combination of selfishness and a subconscious shame, realizing his upbringing isn't the 'norm' as he seeks to impress his fiancée's conservative family. This adds a layer of 'depth and dynamicism' to his character.
Michael observes Val's 'mom issues were kind of pushing him' and Brandon elaborates, 'it's less of like him being ashamed and it's more he's being selfish... perhaps there's a little like underlying shame that was brought up because he's trying so hard to get this girl.'
Notable Moments
The hosts' surprise and delight at Nathan Lane's initial appearance as Starina, particularly his dramatic entrance and quick costume changes.
This sets the tone for the film's flamboyant humor and establishes Nathan Lane's character as a central comedic force, immediately captivating the first-time viewers.
The revelation that Val's biological mother is a one-night stand, not a previous marriage or adoption, which surprises the hosts.
This plot detail adds an unexpected layer to the family dynamic, further emphasizing the unconventional yet loving structure of Val's upbringing and highlighting the film's progressive narrative choices.
The scene where Albert attempts to 'pass' as a straight man, practicing walking and spreading mustard, which the hosts find both hilarious and poignant.
This moment encapsulates the film's blend of physical comedy and underlying emotional struggle, as Albert tries to conform to societal expectations for his son's happiness.
Senator Keely's gradual, almost accidental, acceptance of Albert (in drag) as a 'passionate woman' and his subsequent confusion upon realizing Albert is a man.
This highlights the film's message about challenging prejudices through personal interaction, showing how Keely's initial judgments are softened by Albert's 'performance' and personality, before the truth forces a re-evaluation.
The final escape scene where the Keelys and Val's biological mother are disguised in drag to sneak past the press.
This climactic moment serves as a powerful visual metaphor for breaking down barriers and embracing different identities, as even the conservative senator participates in the drag performance to achieve a common goal.
Quotes
"Robin Williams is just phenomenal every single time. Nathan Lane, too, man."
"A very progressive feeling for the time in my assumption of the time at least. Um, but somehow still very relevant to today in a way."
"The gold that comes from his performance is in his understated delivery of the lines."
"The writing is so clever and it all feels real like the circumstances are so over the top but it's it's played very straight."
"Sometimes you feel a certain way about a certain group of people because you don't know any of those people... But then once you meet them and realize, hey, they're people. We have some things in common."
Q&A
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