Gene Hackman’s performance in The Birdcage is one of his best and most notable comedic roles, and co-star Nathan Lane admitted that part of the key to its success was a spur-of-the-moment moment. Lane explained in a recent interview that a flirtatious exchange between their characters was completely improvised and added to the comedic effect of the scene.
Lane said it was a thrill of a lifetime working with Hackman, and cited the late star’s ability to switch seamlessly between drama and comedy. Lane recalled how Hackman’s naturalness caused every scene to feel like a real event, whether reading lines as a straight politician or materializing out of thin air in a musical number. Their chemistry on-screen generated one of the film’s funniest spontaneous moments.
Gene Hackman’s ‘The Birdcage’ scene was spontaneous
In a standout scene, Lane’s character was dressed in drag, while Hackman’s character could be seen dancing to “I Could Have Danced All Night” from My Fair Lady. Right after the scene, Lane randomly said he played Eliza in high school, and without missing a beat, Hackman responded saying he must have been wonderful.
The exchange, though a fleeting one, brought a humorous note to their encounter, with Hackman’s character unknowingly being a component of Lane’s disguise. The spontaneous moment became one of the film’s best-loved and perfectly conveyed the absurdity of the scene.
Nathan Lane enjoyed working with Gene Hackman
Lane spoke highly of Hackman’s talent and graciousness on set, saying that the veteran actor never overacted or forced a joke. Instead, he let his reactions just happen, which made his straight-laced character’s subtle flirting all the more humorous.
In addition to Hackman, Lane also credited Robin Williams for making The Birdcage such a special experience to create. He recalled how Williams supported him during press interviews, particularly when he wasn’t ready to discuss his personal life. With both Williams and Hackman now retired or gone, Lane cherishes the time he spent working alongside such legends.