When asked to adapt the hit stage show “La Cage Aux Folles” to the big screen, director Édouard Molinaro knew he had to get comedy writer/director Francis Veber involved to not only get the story out of the one-set show and open up the world, but also — and more importantly — to flesh out the core relationship so the film wasn’t just all stereotypes. Veber did his work, and with Molinaro’s direction, became a huge hit in France. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off a short series looking at French writer/director Francis Veber and his remakes, starting with Molinaro’s 1978 comedy La Cage Aux Folles.
We talk about the tone of the film – a broad, farcical comedy – and debate how the caricatures and stereotypes play throughout. Are they too much? Are they okay? We ponder the difficulties for Molinaro of dealing with actors Ugo Tognazzi and Michel Serrault and how they made getting the film made that much more difficult. We discuss the relationship the film has to the period in which it was made as well as the location in which it’s set – Saint-Tropez – and how not knowing the connections may affect ones viewing. And we chat about some of the people behind the technical aspects, including composer Ennio Morricone.
It’s a fun film that works because of the small, honest moments and we have a great time talking about it on this week’s show. Check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins.
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