Birdy
- Director: Alan Parker
- Writer: Sandy Kroopf; Jack Behr
- Producer: Ned Kopp; David Manson
CGiii Comment
Geeky kid goes all pi(d)geon.
It's a story of friendship - from teenagers...through Vietnam to madness.
The subtext is screamingly obvious - Birdy prefers birds to girls - and, his rather dim-witted, chick-loving friend plays along.
It has moments of atmosphere, accentuated by Gabriels' score.
On the downside, Cage's acting is somewhat to be desired - especially in the closing scenes.
Modine, as the bird-obsessed, is exceptional.
It is a fine film with a fine finish.
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
Philly boys Al and Birdy became friends in high school despite the extreme difference in their personalities, Al being the popular and athletic extrovert, Birdy the antisocial "weird" introvert. Al gave Birdy his nickname because of his fascination - obsession really - with birds, especially with flight. Al and Birdy have just completed their service of duty in the Vietnam War and have returned to the States. Al sustained some serious physical injuries, which required major reconstructive surgery to his face. Birdy, however, returned from Vietnam seemingly emotionally scarred. He was missing in action for one month. He has not spoken since he was found. Despite his own medical issues, Al travels to the institution where Birdy is being kept to see if he can assist in getting Birdy out of his near comatose state. Having always had issues with authority, Al is less than forthright with the doctors about Birdy's mental state prior to the war.
Cast & Characters
Matthew Modine as Birdy;
Nicolas Cage as Sgt. Alfonso 'Al' Columbato;
John Harkins as Major Weiss M.D.;
Sandy Baron as Mr. Columbato;
Karen Young as Hannah Rourke;
Bruno Kirby as Renaldi;
Nancy Fish as Mrs. Prevost;
George Buck as Walt - Birdy's Father;
Dolores Sage as Birdy's Mother;
Pat Ryan as Joe Sagessa;
James Santini as Mario Columbato;
Maud Winchester as Doris Robinson;
Marshall Bell as Ronsky;
Elizabeth Whitcraft as Rosanne;
Sandra Beall as Shirley