favorite movie #6: the birdcage

Favorite movies that have had an impact on me - #6 - The Birdcage (1996) - I have seen La Cage Aux Folles in film and on stage, but this is my favorite version. Everyone in the cast is superb, and like Some Like It Hot, the humor and energy of this delightful farce just never stops. And it has heart, too. Whenever it’s on, I watch.

Albert (Nathan Lane): Whatever I am, he made me! I was adorable once, young and full of hope. And now look at me! I'm this short, fat, insecure, middle-aged THING!

Armand (Robin Williams): I made you short?

favorite movies #5: she's gotta have it and down by law

Favorite movies that have had an impact on me - #5 - She's Gotta Have It and Down by Law (both 1986) - I always think about these movies together. They came out both about the same time, were both shot in black and white. I already loved Jarmusch's work from Stranger Than Paradise, and this film features Tom Waits and some of his music from Rain Dogs. I also fell in love with Spike Lee and his take on love, life, and Brooklyn, where I was living at the time. "Please baby, please baby, please baby, baby baby please!!!"

favorite movie #4: the stepford wives

Favorite movies that have had an impact on me - #4 - The Stepford Wives (1975): This great movie hits so many notes - psychological thriller, science fiction, social and political commentary, drama, comedy - and it is, sadly, prescient. What society wants women to be ... in the movie it comes from an evil "men's society," but today it is more insidious and widespread. It comes from without and within. Katherine Ross, Paula Prentiss, James Coburn, etc. are all excellent. The original novel by Ira Levin is worth a read, too.

Related:

down the rabbit hole with ira levin

favorite movie #3: rear window

Favorite movies that have had an impact on me - #3 - Rear Window (1954): I love all of Alfred Hitchcock's films, but this is probably my favorite. There is so much here. Great acting by Jimmy Stewart, Grace Kelly and Thelma Ritter. A suspenseful murder mystery. Amazing set design. But what really makes the movie great is the exploration of voyeurism, an activity that is at the very core of viewing movies.