'It's like riding a psychotic horse toward a burning stable': The Genius and Joy of The Birdcage.

Sometimes the remake is better than the original. Yes, starting this week with a very controversial statement, but, in this case, in my humble opinion, is very true. La Cage aux Folles was originally a play by Jean Poiret and its story has not changed much since. First filmed in 1979 by Edouard Molinaro, the plot is identical to Poiret's original tale.

This story is simple and hilarious. When the son of a gay club-owner brings his fiancee and her ultra-conservative parents home to meet both his father and his father's drag-performing partner, all hell breaks loose and the series of farcical events that ensues will have anyone in a fit of laughter.

Now, make no mistake; this is not a comparative study pitting America against France. This is a Fi’s Favourites, championing the 1996 Mark Nichols version (The Birdcage), starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane (as well as a long list of other A-list actors). The presence and performances of these two actors push the American version ahead of the French for me (and I am sure I would nearly be spat at for saying this).

There may be a certain glamour lacking in the American version that is ever-present in the French version. Well, I mean, it is ever-present in all French cinema. Cinema and film are totally in their blood. It is their gift. It is an elegant film with great wit and, at times, total ridiculousness.

As their plots are the same, there is no point in comparing the two. There is no need to compare them at all. This is a time to celebrate one of my favourite films that brings me great joy. Being a fan of drag and campness in general, it is a no-brainer that I would love this film. I have managed to convince and persuade others to watch it. They, too, have enjoyed it and laughed out loud, despite not being fans of drag at all.

We all know what an incredible and gifted talent Robin Williams is. In each of his performances, you can see and feel just how much he gives. I truly believe a piece of him goes into each character. I am not forgetting what a gifted actor Nathan Lane is either. Both can be over the top, both can be serious and quiet, and, more importantly, each has the gift of knowing when to be outrageous and when to be subdued.

Really we are probably more used to seeing Robin Williams being over the top and hamming everything up, but here we see him in a rather refreshing light. Williams is setting them up, and Lane knocks 'em down. A very clever tactic, as when Williams's brief and infrequent over the top moments happen, they are even funnier.

This film is a combination of two very different types of humour, but, surprisingly, it works. It is totally outrageous with perhaps obvious and expected innuendos as well as a very sharp, quick-witted film, filled with clever and well-presented one liners. As a comedy, it stands head and shoulders above many other popular comedies. The quotable one-liners are endless.

The Birdcage is really an iconic film of the queer cinema movement. It very cleverly and subtly mocks the stereotypical and rigid notions we all have about gender. Humour is one of the most powerful tools we have in film to make a political or social statement. Filmmakers sometimes underrate its effectiveness. Not everything has to be gritty and dark. A lot can be said with quick wit and laughter.

This film is not just funny. It also has a lot of heart. It has an important message about family, the importance of having a place where you belong, a tribe; and always being who you are. And it does all this with a smile and a joke.

As if I haven’t praised this film enough, particularly its use and style of humour, what makes this film what it is are the performances. A well-written joke is nothing without the right delivery. Had this adaptation featured two different stars, I am not sure it would have even been able to hold a candle to the original. The blend here is crucial; knowing when to ham it up, knowing when to be quiet, knowing who needs the spotlight and when are the cornerstones of this film.

This funny, sophisticated and delightful film will have you laughing and looking on in awe at its genius at the same time. If you want to laugh, be impressed and be uplifted simultaneously, you have to watch this film ASAP! Happy watching.

So you're going to a cemetery with your toothbrush. How Egyptian.