Birdy

One of the big hits from the small screen this past summer was the Netflix original series Stranger Things. A lot of people are talking about how this is a big comeback for Winona Ryder. Oddly though, there hasn't been a lot of talk about another comeback in this series from another star of the late 80's and early 90's, Matthew Modine. He gives a very creepy and convincing performance as the possibly evil Dr. Brenner on the series. Other than his starring role in Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket, it seems that a lot of Modine's earlier work has been forgotten. So over the next few posts, I thought I'd look back at some of his earlier starring roles. First up is another Vietnam war era film, like Full Metal Jacket, 1984's Birdy.

Based on the terrific William Wharton novel, which was set during World War II, Birdy tells the story of a young misfit named Birdy, Modine, who is obsessed with the feathered creatures and flight. Tired of seeing him being picked on by the other teens, Al, Nicolas Cage, comes to his aid and the two become quick friends. But when they get shipped off to fight in the war, the horrors of battle push Birdy over the edge and his obsession takes over. He begins to think that he is actually a bird himself which lands him in a mental institution when he arrives back stateside. Al, now disfigured from the war and covered in bandages, comes to his rescue again and tries to snap some sense into him before he gets locked away forever.

Birdy is a terrific, sometimes funny, but mostly dark film. Both leads are great in two very physical performances. . Modine does an amazing job in a role that relies on more on his body movements because there are long stretches where he doesn't have dialogue. Cage is also good, spending most of the movie behind bandages, and yet still being able to convey the emotions of his character.

This was directed by one of my favorites, Alan Parker. I'm a huge fan of his because of his range. He has also directed Angel Heart, Pink Floyd:The Wall, Bugsy Malone, Fame, The Commitments, Midnight Express, and The Road To Wellville...to name a few. All classics and all incredibly different.

Although it can be heavy at times, Birdy is a very rewarding viewing experience.

It's available on dvd.