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Format: Laserdisc
Rated R
Recording Mode: Stereo
Sound: Stereo
Closed Captioned
120 min.
UPC: 043396304574 |
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Details
Movie Description
In Alan Parker's adaptation of William Wharton's acclaimed novel, the title character is a Vietnam vet hospitalized for postwar trauma. Lying in a state of amentia, Birdy (Matthew Modine) fantasizes about birds in flight, an obsession that has haunted him since childhood. Now this fascination acts as a barrier to reality and the pain of his years in Vietnam. After doctors' efforts fail to cure him, his childhood friend Al (Nicolas Cage)--also a discharged soldier nursing wounds from the war--is brought in to try to coax Birdy out of his hallucinations.
BIRDY, told largely in stark, lyrical flashbacks from Al's point of view, is both a heartrending examination of the psychological consequences of war and an ode to the spiritually rejuvenating powers of friendship and imagination. The two young leads turn in powerful, humane performances. Parker (MIDNIGHT EXPRESS) provides innovative direction, most notably in the film's stunning, controversial ending.
Synopsis
The childhood pal of a catatonic, war-scarred Vietnam veteran is recruited to assist doctors in bringing him out of his delusional haze.
Film Notes
Shot in Metrocolor on location in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Additional cast: George Buck (Birdy's Father), Dolores Sage (Birdy's Mother), and Crystal Field (Mrs. Columbato).
Additional credits: Nancy Giebink (UPM) and Michael Roberts (camera operator).
Additional music: John Hassell, The Drummers of Ekome, Larry Fast, Tony Levin, Jerry Marott, and David Rhodes.
Adaptation of author William Wharton's first novel.
Rated BBFC 15 by the British Board of Film Classification.
Industry Reviews
Rating: B
Entertainment Weekly - p.67 - Lisa Schwarzbaum
"...Birdy's intensity is so captivating...that [the] story becomes irresistibly involving....[The two lead] actors work miracles..."
New York Times - p.C25 - Janet Maslin
"...[Modine] skillfully essays the offbeat troubled character....[Cage is] sensitive and strong....[The] supporting parts are excellently cast..."
Variety - Klyn.
3 stars out of 5 -- "Nicholas Cage is tops as Al...whilst Matthew Modine is superlative as Birdy....A truly beautiful movie."
Total Film - Total Film Staff (02/01/2007)
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