Elaine May writes and Mike Nichols directs the gut-busting 1996 classic The Birdcage. A remake of the 1978 French film La Cage aux Folles, which was itself an adaptation of an earlier stage play, The Birdcage stars a murderer’s row of comedic talent including Robin Williams, Nathan Lane and a hilarious, scene-stealing Hank Azaria as the Daisy Duke clad Guatemalan houseman Agador. A flamboyant Williams plays straight, and hides his relationship with Lane, when his son gets engaged to the daughter of an embattled conservative senator (Gene Hackman). But when the new in-laws visit, hilarity ensues as lies, misunderstandings and mishaps spiral comically out of control. It’s heartening to see Nichols and May, decades after the dissolution of their comic duo, still working at the top of their game, with their wit and understanding of comedic timing just as sharp as ever.
“Mike Nichols and Elaine May, in their first official screen collaboration, have scored with a riotous comedy whose irreverent topicality is one of its most refreshing components. Performed with matchless aplomb and made with plush professionalism, pic serves up pure pleasure from beginning to end” – Todd McCarthy, Variety
“One of the loopiest, most hysterical family-values movies ever made.” – Hal Hinson, Washington Post
“What makes Mike Nichols’ version more than just a retread is good casting in the key roles and a wicked screenplay by Elaine May” – Roger Ebert
“Goes beyond the stereotypes to see the character’s depth and humanity. The film celebrates differences and points out the outrageousness of hiding those differences.” – GLAAD
