Sex, Speedos, And South Beach: Setting In The Birdcage

Sex, Speedos, and South Beach: Setting in The Birdcage The context, namely setting, of any narrative is always an area of interest when analyzing a piece from a critical perspective. However, in the case of a Queer Theory examination, setting is an exorbitantly crucial piece of information. This is due to the fact that the setting provides context in regards to the surrounding society, which is paramount in the reception of non-binary genders, as evidenced in the film The Birdcage. For starters, the Birdcage drag club detailed in the motion picture occupies an iconic setting located on an ocean-front strip of property in South Miami Beach, Florida. However, South Beach is more than just a venue when the plot of The Birdcage unravels, and instead functions as a force that aids in the propagation of the film’s theme regarding indeterminate gender. This is evidenced in Miami’s acceptance, and occasional indifference, towards displays of feminine flamboyance. Specifically, it appears that although Miami allows its citizens the freedom to assume any gender, or identity, they wish, the region still seems to favor feminine characteristics over masculine ones. For example, when Albert is making his morning rounds through the

Specifically, due to their proximity to the beach, the extras that pepper Miami’s neon landscape, are usually half-naked in metallic bathing suits. In fact, these suits are so skimpy that the bottoms of a man’s suit, are roughly identical to the woman’s suit. While this may appear to be a minute and insignificant detail in the film, the lack of difference in the suits corroborates the claim that South Beach is indifferent to stereotypical gender assignments, yet admires the feminine