Released back in 1996 to massive critical acclaim - it went on to be Oscar and Golden Globe-nominated - as well as a complete commercial smash - it is still the highest grossing "gay movie" of all time - The Birdcage was actually something of a risk at the time.
Adapted from the French film (from the French play) La Cage Aux Folles, director Mike Nichols put together what would soon become a dream team of actors for one of the funniest films ever made. Robin Williams had just come from a string of hits including Mrs. Doubtfire and Aladdin, Nathan Lane was perhaps best known at the time for voicing Timon in The Lion King, Gene Hackman was not exactly known for his comedic timing, and host of supporting players including the scene-stealing Hank Azaria (pretty much all of your favorite characters in The Simpsons), Dianne Wiest (the nice mum in Edward Scissorhands), Christine Barinski, as well as a very young Calista Flockhart.
The story is quite an old-school affair of mistaken identities and hidden truths all in the name of love, but given a modern twist by setting it in the day-glo world of Miami's South Beach and dealing with the real problems that arise by being the child of a gay parent.
However none of the seriousness gets in the way of the laughs, and the film is packed out with memorable scenes and instantly quotable one-liners. Nathan Lane's reaction to his son getting married? Robin Williams trying to teach his husband how to walk like John Wayne? Hank Azaria dancing to Gloria Estefan? Gene Hackman in… well, we don't want to spoil it, but his outfit in that final scene will haunt your dreams!
If this has stirred up a feeling of nostalgia for this movie and you suddenly feel the need to watch it again, don't fret! This Wednesday the 28th of August, The Birdcage is being screened in The Grand Social on Lower Liffey Street, Dublin 1 as part of the Why So Serious? Cult Comedy Classics. Doors are at 7pm, movie kicks off at 8pm, and best of all, it's absolutely FREE!
Head to the event's page on Facebook here for more details.
