The Birdcage (1996)

Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Gene Hackman

Reviewed By: Kashiko Black
Review Date: July 6, 2012
Category: Comedy, Queer, Heterosexual, Monogamous

Back Cover Summary:

Armand and Albert have a home life many would envy. They share a long-term committed relationship encompassing their lives and careers, and have together raised Armand's son, Val, into a caring, responsible, and mature young man. So, when Val arrives home and announces his engagement to the daughter of an ultra-conservative U.S. Senator, what choice is there but to accept his decision with love? Meanwhile, Senator Keeley and his wife are facing bigger problems than their daughter's unexpected engagement. The senator is watching his right-wing constituency evaporate with the scandalous demise of his closet political ally. A visit to the future in-laws could be just the thing to take the public's focus off the Keeley's messy predicament. With the impending visit of his fiancee's rigid family, Val asks his father to straighten up the apartment just a bit. All it entails is the removal or Armand's collection, furnishings, clothes, job...and Albert.

Reviewer Comments on Rating:

This movie is an entertaining way to spend some time. It does portray some gay stereotypes but does not display them negatively and ultimately is a very positive depiction of the gay community. Robin Williams and Nathan Lane deliver an amazing performance with some good character chemistry. The film address somes of the negative perceptions in the US of the gay community but before the end of the film, elevates the gay community by showing its members to be of better humor and higher moral character.

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