Birdy [VHS] (1984)

British film director Alan Parker’s 1984 film is an innovative, ambitious interpretation of William Wharton’s award-winning novel of the same name, arguably representing the high point of Parker’s career. Birdy is thematically very rich – at its heart focusing on Matthew Modine’s eponymous 'bird-obsessed’ outsider, coming of age in 1960s Philadelphia, and touching on issues of mental illness, repressive parenting, (homo)sexuality and the search for identity, but, with the advent of the Vietnam war, also, more directly, referencing shell shock, pacifism and the treatment of war veterans. Parker uses flashback narrative very effectively here, as the 'weirdo’ Birdy pals up (against type) with Nicolas Cage’s hunky, all-American boy, Al Columbato, their best-buddy antics being skilfully intercut with traumatic moments of war conflict and (most impressively) Al’s increasingly desperate (post-conflict) attempts to coax Birdy out of his mental malaise (in effect, a reincarnation in bird form).The 25-year old Modine is outstanding here, mixing laid-back, innocent naivety and apparent derangement brilliantly – other than great performances in films like Short Cuts and Full Metal Jacket Modine’s career seems to have passed me by – whilst (the even younger!) Cage is almost as good, keeping his later tendency for histrionics mostly in check. The scenes between the two convincingly depict an ever-deeper, tender friendship – particularly those in the 'asylum’, during which cinematographer Michael Seresin gives us some stunning shots of Birdy and John Harkins impresses as the creepy, increasingly fractious Dr Weiss. Parker also gives us many intriguing (often comedic) interludes, such as during Birdy’s attempts to fly and his disinterested attempts at adolescent seduction.It is, however, the depiction of Birdy’s mental state and imaginary world where Parker’s film scores most highly for me, whether during the dynamic flight sequences (where Peter Gabriel’s score particularly impresses) or during the various dream sequences, focusing on Birdy’s need for freedom and love of the natural world – there is a particularly powerful juxtaposition of his respect for living things with the destructive power of 'airborne things’ during battle.I don’t consider Parker’s film as flawless – for example, I’m not sure how Birdy convinced the authorities that he was ‘fit for battle’ and Parker’s film is perhaps a little too long – but for Modine’s performance and the film’s level of ambition, I think it worthy of a top rating.

I read the book first and thought it would be impossible to make a movie that blurred the lines between reality and fantasy the way the book did. I was wrong. There were plenty of funny moments in the movie based on a subject that would not normally attract mirth.

If you have never seen this you've missed a treat. Its a story of male friendship, of two teenage boys in the USA a rare thing to see well protrayed. Oone of the boys becomes fixated upon the idea of being able to fly hence his nickname of birdy. It also relays the horror experienced by young men who get sent to war. The sound track is by Peter Gabriel and adds to the action well. Not quite as good as the book (which dealt with the World Wars rather than a later conflicts ised here) Never the less a touching film, it will have you laughing and crying. It is one of my all time favorites.

This is a movie you want to see more then once, at least in my case. First of all I'm a great Peter Gabriel fan for the film music. I bought the record (not the CD) in 1985 and concider it as a little masterpiece.Then Alan Parker, this guy made the film of Pink Floyd's masterpiece "The Wall" too, need I say more.So if you like a really good story, beautiful directed and filmed by Alan PArker plus Peter Gabriël's musicyou have to order this one, you will not be disappointed.It's a keeper, a film you must have.

Indicator have done a great job on this remaster.coupled with an interesting set of extras this is a worthy addition to any ones collection.

Had a great experience dealing with these people and the product was first class

Thought-provoking and watchable.

Top notch !!!