Birdy

Birdy

Year: 1984

Runtime: 120 min

Language: English

Director: Alan Parker

DramaWar

Haunted by his experiences in Vietnam, a veteran struggles to readjust to civilian life, withdrawing into a fantasy where he exists as a bird. Confined to a mental hospital and increasingly disconnected from reality, doctors attempt to help him confront his trauma. His childhood friend and fellow veteran, Al, offers a lifeline, visiting regularly in an effort to reconnect him with the world and guide him toward healing.

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Timeline & Setting – Birdy (1984)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Birdy (1984). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie reflects on the past, particularly during the high school years of Al and Birdy. It captures elements of 1970s America, a time marked by social change, military conflict, and evolving attitudes toward mental health.

Location

South Philadelphia, psychiatric hospital

South Philadelphia is known for its rich cultural heritage and lively community. The psychiatric hospital serves as a backdrop for the characters' struggles, illustrating the complexities of mental health with its sterile and isolating environment.

🏙️ City 🏥 Hospital

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:10

Main Characters – Birdy (1984)

Meet the key characters of Birdy (1984), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Birdy (Matthew Modine)

Birdy is an eccentric young man deeply connected to birds, reflecting his fragile mental state. His silence represents his struggle with trauma and the difficulty of coping with the realities of his past.

🕊️ Innocence 💭 Mental Health

Alfonso 'Al' Columbato (Nicolas Cage)

Al is a U.S. Army Sergeant dealing with his own emotional turmoil post-war. His commitment to Birdy showcases his loyalty and willingness to confront his challenges while supporting his friend.

💪 Loyalty 🤕 Trauma

Birdy's Mother (Dolores Sage)

Birdy's mother represents the protective figure in Birdy's life, navigating the challenges of raising a son with unique sensitivities. Her actions reflect the larger struggle parents face when supporting children with mental health issues.

👩‍👦 Caregiver ❤️ Love

Major Weiss (John Harkins)

Major Weiss serves as a doctor who seeks to understand Birdy’s condition. He emerges as a voice of reason, indicating the importance of human connection and understanding in mental health care.

📋 Authority 🩺 Caregiver

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:10

Major Themes – Birdy (1984)

Explore the central themes of Birdy (1984), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕊️ Friendship

The theme of friendship is central, depicted through the bond between Al and Birdy. Their relationship showcases the importance of companionship in overcoming personal struggles and trauma.

💔 Loss

Loss permeates the narrative as Birdy grapples with the effects of war and mental illness. It highlights the emotional turmoil experienced when innocence is lost and the impacts of shared traumatic experiences.

🦜 Identity

The search for identity is a significant theme, especially as Birdy uses his affinity for birds as a coping mechanism. Al’s journey to help Birdy suggests the importance of understanding one's self in the face of adversity.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:10

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Don't stop at just watching — explore Birdy in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Birdy is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Birdy Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Birdy, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Birdy Summary

Birdy Timeline

Track the full timeline of Birdy with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Birdy Timeline

Birdy Spoiler-Free Summary

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Birdy Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Birdy

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Birdy: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Birdy

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