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With: Robin Williams, Gene Hackman, Nathan Lane, Dianne Wiest, Dan Futterman, Calista Flockhart, Hank Azaria, Christine Baranski, Tom McGowan, Grant Heslov
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Written by: Elaine May, based on a screenplay by Francis Veber, Édouard Molinaro, Marcello Danon, Jean Poiret
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Directed by: Mike Nichols
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MPAA Rating: R for language
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Running Time: 117
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Date: 03/08/1996
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Albert Squall
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
Initially, I wasn't a huge fan of this American remake of La Cage aux Folles, given the manic nature of the French drawing room comedy, and given that Robin Williams and Nathan Lane seem to have been accidentally cast in each other's roles. I was also suspicious of director Mike Nichols, who had enjoyed nearly unanimous acclaim early and often, but rarely seemed to do very much to earn it. But giving it another shot in 2024, I found I had loosened my restrictions a bit and enjoyed myself. Not to mention that, in the years since, I have seen all of the films of Elaine May, who is a genius, and am convinced that her contribution to the screenplay here (Nicholas and May were once a noted comedy team) made things work. Williams plays Armand Goldman, the owner of a gay cabaret, and partner to temperamental star drag performer Albert (Lane). Armand has a son, Val (Dan Futterman), from an earlier marriage, now grown, and ready to marry himself. Unfortunately, his fiancee (Calista Flockhart) is the daughter of a notoriously conservative senator (Gene Hackman). Val asks that Armand and Albert pretend to be "normal" so that the parents can meet without any fireworks. It's a "lie" plot, but Williams — who actually turned down the Albert role — sells it with his tender performance; he'll do anything to help his son. Hank Azaria steals the entire picture as houseboy Agador.
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