The Big Picture Armand Goldman is many things: a drag club owner, a loving father, and a faithful partner. One thing he is not is straight, and when he needs to pose as such, he’s forced completely out of his comfort zone. Released in 1996 to conservative audiences in the United States when the AIDS crisis was going on for nearly two decades, The Birdcage showcases one of Robin Williams’ best comedic roles in one of his best comedies.
'The Birdcage' Offers a More Light-Hearted Relationship Renato and Albin get into a physical fight in the opening minutes of La Cage aux Folles, unlike the petty, less toxic arguments between their American counterparts. On the night Albin must go on as the drag club’s star attraction, Zaza, the countdown to the performance is getting closer and closer with no sign he’s ready. Albin’s diva behavior, set off by believing Renato is cheating on him, gets some laughs.
Robin Williams Didn’t Want To Do Drag Again in 'The Birdcage' Despite the seemingly toxic romance, Renato and Albin go on to make for an endearing pair to root for, and the performances from Ugo Tognazzi and Michel Serrault each have their bite. Serrault lets out a dramatic shriek whenever he’s startled, much like Nathan Lane, and both actors go over the top. The 1978 version better translates Renato’s internalized homophobia toward his partner’s flamboyant personality.
The Homes Reflect Their Ultra-Conservative and Gay Characters Both La Cage aux Folles and The Birdcage do a great job with set design to show how drab the home of the conservative parents is. Simon Charrier and his ice queen wife Louise live in a very posh but cold house, one that lacks personality in the decor. It's just as stiff and repressed as the home of Republican Senator Kevin Keeley and his wife, a bubblier Louise that only Dianne Wiest could pull off.
‘La Cage aux Folles’ Feels More Grounded in Reality Although the 1978 version didn't have a Hollywood budget, it still stands apart in how it doesn’t try to soften the homophobic attitudes in the world. In the French resort town where Renato and Albin live, their club may be a safe space, but they directly encounter bigotry when they step outside. Albin hurries away after learning how unwanted he is at the upcoming dinner, so he takes refuge at a bar.
Source: Entertainment Trends (entertainmenttrends.net)
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