Avis sur le produitLa Cage Aux Folles/The Birdcage (DVD, 2008, 2-Disc Set, Canadian)

2008 2 Disc, 2 Film Set of Both Original Comical Casts

"La Cage Aux Folles" is not only the 1978 film title, but it also, a fictitious nightclub's name. La Cage was also a Broadway play. The story goes that a gay couple parent a son who announces he's about to be married to the daughter of an ultra-conservative politician. The nightclub owner, Renato, and the star transvestite, Zaza, have to meet their prospective in-laws.

Since both gay men would do just about anything for their son, they decide to go into the closet, passing as a straight couple. But, since there's no way on Earth that either guy is going to pass as straight, they blows it during the meeting of the families.

"The Birdcage" is a hysterical, Oscar-nominated, remake of the 1978 French comedy "La Cage Aux Folles." In director Mike Nichols' version, Armand Goldman (Robin Williams), is an openly gay South Beach, Miami cabaret owner whose life partner, Albert (Nathan Lane), is Armand's club's "Starina," the lead drag performer. Like in "La Cage," Armand & Albert try to pass as straight; but, not as a couple (man & woman). Instead, the ever so effeminate Albert takes lessons from Armand on how to act like a man. Doing so is absolutely hilarious.

Armand's son, Val (Dan Futterman), loves his non-traditional family dearly. But, his parents are so completely out, Val asks them to tone down their overt queerness when meeting his fiance's (Calista Flockhart) ultra-conservative, political square parents (Gene Hackman & Dianne Wiest). To cap it off, Agador, Armand & Albert's ever so queer houseboy-man (Hank Azaria), doesn't have a straight bone in his body! Combined with Albert's (Lane) failed attempts to pass as a straight "John Wayne" prototype, as well as, Armand's (Williams) dead-pan serious, convincing understated gay mannerisms, "The Birdcage" is high comedy with a nearly all-star cast. Oscars should have been taken home for this one, as time has shown that these performances are destined to be classic.

One point is certain: the basic story is too fun for words. Owning both versions is something I definitely recommend. Anyone who can't laugh with both of these versions is in serious need of psychotherapy for a very bad case of homophobia~Lire l'avis complet...