La cage aux folles (1978) is not as hilarious or as impressive as I hoped it would be. However, it is funny in places, and at times provides the needed kick in the ass to the establishment. It's a story of a gay owner of a nightclub, Renato, whose son becomes engaged to a young woman with conservative parents. Her father heads a party for "Moral Order"; they are old-fashioned, reactionary and hypocritical (their president dies having sex with an underage prostitute). When the two families meet for a dinner party, the gays attempt to cover up their homosexuality, and downplay their association with the club.
It's good to see such bigoted people be slapped in the face, metaphorically-speaking. The girl's father gets quite a shock opening a nook and finding a homoerotic ornament that had been hidden. Some clues to the gays' lifestyle are out but concealed- they quickly fill a plate with ancient Greek images. Renato's gay lover shows up in drag- that's a real kicker, though a stretch the girl's parents would be convinced he's a woman.
Being straight, I wondered if this movie would be for me. Though not great, it's a light, enjoyable little film, worth checking out.
It's good to see such bigoted people be slapped in the face, metaphorically-speaking. The girl's father gets quite a shock opening a nook and finding a homoerotic ornament that had been hidden. Some clues to the gays' lifestyle are out but concealed- they quickly fill a plate with ancient Greek images. Renato's gay lover shows up in drag- that's a real kicker, though a stretch the girl's parents would be convinced he's a woman.
Being straight, I wondered if this movie would be for me. Though not great, it's a light, enjoyable little film, worth checking out.