Birdy

Alan Parker, USA, 1984, 120 minutes

Vietnam experience proves to be catalytic for the friendship of Birdy (Modine) and Al (Nicolas Cage), as the war trauma finds different expressions in the lives of the two men. Al is badly burned while Birdy, having suffered a severe shock and being placed in a mental hospital, retreats into the world of birds - his main fascination in life - to such an extent that he begins identifying with them.

Having been awarded the Grand Prix from the Cannes Special Jury, Birdy is regarded by many, including Alan Parker himself, as the director's most accomplished film. The antithesis between the physical and the psychological consequences of war is very interesting indeed, with further exploration as to the nature of madness given from a rather individualistic perspective. Unfortunately the fact that Parker has fully embraced American cinema, manifests itself clearly in his films. The slow film-making of this one - a rather radical step for such a director - combined with the pseudo intellectualism which is typical of Parker's work leads to a result of little importance. With good performances from both Modine and Cage, it is oceasionally pleasant and warm but ultimately remains shallow and unimaginative.

Review by Spiros Gangas
Taken from EUFS Programme 1992-93