The Birdcage

Holly Reese

4-14-13

The Birdcage

              The Birdcage is a character driven film that gets most of its comedic success from Robin Williams and Nathan Lane. The duo of Williams and Lane are more than just gay men who dress up as women, their comedy reaches far beyond sight gags. The comedy also comes from the quick dialogue and situational humor.

                   This film was released in 1996, a time when gay rights movements were not as involved and aggressive as they are now. In the 1990s the question of gay marriage was not entertained in the way it is today. This makes The Birdcage, in my opinion, a film that was ahead of its time. Williams and Lane are an openly gay couple, living and working together. They also have raised a son who is not by any means gay. While this film is a comedy, I can see why anti-gay or religious groups might not like this film for those aspects alone. But because it is comedy, it might make the gay jokes and drag queen aspect less uncomfortable for people who can’t handle people like this real life. The parents of Val’s fiance are so snotty and proper that they become the villains in some way. The audience does not like them because they are against our protagonists. Also, because of the comedy aspect, we are given a happy ending with a feel good vibe.

                     I really enjoy this film and its rhetorical comedy. I always find myself laughing out loud at not only the men dressed as women but also the dialogue. It is a dynamic film that addresses many issues that are still being discussed today.