La Cage aux Folles

The surprise global art house hit of 1978, this zesty French-Italian coproduction was one of the first films to portray gay characters in a positive, upbeat light. A breezy farce in the classical tradition, La Cage aux Folles was based on a popular and critically acclaimed stage play, and went on to inspire two film sequels, a Broadway musical, and Mike Nichols' 1996 American remake The Birdcage, starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane. Directed by the late Edouard Molinaro, the original film is a decidedly more natural, low-key affair, but it still delivers abundant laughs. The fun begins when nightclub owner Renato (Ugo Tognazzi) and his drag-queen partner Albin (Michel Serrault) agree to pretend to be a straight couple for Renato's son (from a previous relationship) when the latter introduces them to the prim parents of his fiancée. As played by Serrault (who originated the role on stage), Albin is the quintessential drama queen, but his sensitive nature (along with Renato's love for his son) gives La Cage aux Folles the heart and soul that have kept the story so popular. The bright pastel-and-neon color palette shines on the restored digital transfer for Criterion's new Blu-ray and DVD editions, which also feature excellent sound for the light and bubbly score by Ennio Morricone. Extras include new interviews with Molinaro and Laurence Senelick (author of The Changing Room: Sex, Drag and Theatre), archival clips from the original stage play, and a booklet featuring an essay by film critic David Ehrenstein. Highly recommended. (J. Shannon)