I remember my dad taking me to see this when it came out, I suppose a lot of it probably went over my head at 14 but I did enjoy it. (In retrospect I do wonder if he was trying to make some kind of point, though more likely he just saw Robin Williams’ name on the poster.)
This essay reminds me of the delightfully unexpected fact that one of my very conservative, rural great-uncles actually used to LOVE The Birdcage until his dying-day, despite all odds. When masculinity is wholesome *and* specific in our art (the art OF GENDER you might even say, wink wink), it truly *can* reach anyone, can’t it? This whole thing is so sweet I’m gettin’ a dang cavity in my teeth. Loved this. Thank you for being my favorite commentator on contemporary masculinity, Jesse🫡
“If there is a spectrum from Starina to John Wayne, then Armand (and even Val) sit somewhere in-between— to my baby-trans self, this was a delicious revelation of the potential variety that can be contained within masculinity rather than fleeing from it for reprieve.” Very well-said. This is a freeing thought that I’ve also received from certain pieces of media.
I remember my dad taking me to see this when it came out, I suppose a lot of it probably went over my head at 14 but I did enjoy it. (In retrospect I do wonder if he was trying to make some kind of point, though more likely he just saw Robin Williams’ name on the poster.)
This essay reminds me of the delightfully unexpected fact that one of my very conservative, rural great-uncles actually used to LOVE The Birdcage until his dying-day, despite all odds. When masculinity is wholesome *and* specific in our art (the art OF GENDER you might even say, wink wink), it truly *can* reach anyone, can’t it? This whole thing is so sweet I’m gettin’ a dang cavity in my teeth. Loved this. Thank you for being my favorite commentator on contemporary masculinity, Jesse🫡
“If there is a spectrum from Starina to John Wayne, then Armand (and even Val) sit somewhere in-between— to my baby-trans self, this was a delicious revelation of the potential variety that can be contained within masculinity rather than fleeing from it for reprieve.” Very well-said. This is a freeing thought that I’ve also received from certain pieces of media.