EP 32: BIRDY (1984) vs. PEGGY SUE GOT MARRIED (1986)

We're starting 2021 right by celebrating Nicolas Cage all month long! We start first with this eighties' Nic Cage double feature: the moody coming-of-age/bird-love flick BIRDY (1984), matched with Francis Ford Coppola's dramedy PEGGY SUE GOT MARRIED (1986).

It's part 1 of our January "New Year, New Nic!" month-long CULT AND CLASSIC FILMS Podcast celebration!

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Host: Nate Wyckoff

Panelists: Jeff Tucker, Amanda Longley & Greg Johnson

More on BIRDY (1984):
"Birdy" is a compelling drama film directed by Alan Parker and based on the novel by William Wharton. The narrative unfolds in a nonlinear fashion, interweaving the past and present lives of two childhood friends, Birdy and Al, who enlist in the Vietnam War. The film delicately navigates themes of friendship, identity, and the devastating impact of war on the human psyche.

The story is primarily seen through the eyes of Al Columbato, portrayed by Nicolas Cage, a wounded war veteran trying to come to terms with the traumatic experiences he and his friend Birdy, played by Matthew Modine, endured during the conflict. Al, who sustained physical injuries, struggles to connect with Birdy, who, after being emotionally scarred by the war, believes he is a bird and spends his days in a mental institution reenacting flight.

As the film progresses, flashbacks unveil the close bond between Birdy and Al as they grow up in an industrial town, painting a poignant picture of their carefree youth and the origins of Birdy's fascination with birds. The juxtaposition of the flashbacks with the dire present circumstances serves to underline the profound impact of war and trauma on the human spirit.

"Birdy" is a visually arresting and emotionally resonant film that delves into the complexities of friendship and the lasting effects of war. The stellar performances by Modine and Cage, coupled with Parker's masterful direction, elevate "Birdy" to a thought-provoking exploration of human resilience and the enduring power of friendship in the face of adversity.

More on PEGGY SUE GOT MARRIED (1986):

Peggy Sue Got Married is a charming and nostalgic film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, released in 1986. Starring Kathleen Turner as Peggy Sue, the story revolves around a middle-aged woman who attends her high school reunion and finds herself transported back in time to her senior year in 1960. As she relives her youth, Peggy Sue grapples with the choices she made and the possibility of altering the course of her life.

The movie delves into the complexities of regret, second chances, and the realization of one's true desires. Through Peggy Sue's journey, the audience witnesses the dynamics of her family, her friendships, and her romance with the charismatic rebel, Charlie, played by Nicolas Cage. As she navigates her past with the knowledge of her future, Peggy Sue confronts the unresolved feelings she has for Charlie and the divergent paths they took after high school.

Set against a backdrop of 1960s Americana, Peggy Sue Got Married expertly captures the nostalgia of the era with its fashion, music, and cultural references. The film effectively immerses viewers in the sights and sounds of a bygone time, offering a sensory trip down memory lane. The attention to detail in recreating the period lends an authenticity that enhances the film's emotional resonance.

Kathleen Turner delivers a poignant and multi-layered performance as Peggy Sue, portraying the character's journey of self-discovery and empowerment with depth and sincerity. Supported by a talented ensemble cast including Nicolas Cage, Barry Miller, and Catherine Hicks, the film strikes a delicate balance between heartfelt drama and lighthearted humor, crafting a moving narrative that resonates with audiences. Peggy Sue Got Married remains a timeless exploration of love, regrets, and the universal longing for a chance to rewrite the past.

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