Birds of America

It’s hard to believe a film with multiple-Oscar-winner Hilary Swank, Matthew Perry, Lauren Graham and Ben Foster and directed by playwright Craig Lucas (Prelude to a Kiss) would hardly warrant a blip on the pre-DVD radar screen, but that’s the case with the oddly titled Birds of America. Like The Ice Storm and the works of John Irving, the film focuses on an oddball family in New England. This one’s headed by Perry, playing Morris, a professor desperately seeking tenure, and his wife Betty (Graham). Unpredictable siblings Jay (Foster) and Ida (Big Love’s Ginnifer Goodwin) come back into Morris’ life and home after Jay attempts suicide. This causes all sorts of complications as Morris is trying to win over his next-door neighbors (Swank and Gary Wilmes), who play a part in whether he gets his tenure. Though the film will remind some of the recent Steve Carell-starrer Dan in Real Life or The Family Stone, Birds is definitely moodier and has a more absurdist sense of humor than those efforts.

Shelf Talk: Despite its mainstream roster, Birds is more suited to an arthouse crowd and those who like offbeat fare. A theatrical release would have helped, but the film disappeared after a showing at Sundance. Also, Lucas (The Dying Gaul) has a strong gay following that shouldn’t be overlooked.