Mental health has always been a taboo subject. However, over the years the stigma that lives around the world and wanting or seeking help has done a necessary 180. They often say to check on your happy friends, they may be using your laughter to mask their pain. This was all too true for the great Robin Williams who brought millions of smiles and endless laughter across generations throughout his career – yet even the ones who wear the biggest smile may be battling the darkest demons. On August 11, 2014, we lost the one who brought us Mrs. Doubtfire, Aladdin’s The Genie, and the adored Teddy Roosevelt in Night At The Museum. Losing someone who was most known for bringing tears of joy – even in his most serious roles – sent us all in a tailspin with the very hard realization that those who make us laugh the hardest are often the ones struggling the most.

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day and in honor of the beloved Robin Williams, we look at one of his most fabulous and highly underrated films, The Birdcage. This 1996 film showcases a powerhouse of legends alongside Williams with Nathan Lane, Gene Hackman, Dianne Wiest, Hank Azaria, Christine Baranski, Dan Futterman, and Calista Flockhart. Telling the tale of a young man named Val [Dan Futterman] who is engaged to the lovely Barbra [Calista Flockhart] as they find a way for their extremely opposite families to meet without starting World War III. Val’s family consists of Armand Goldman [Robin Williams] and his life partner Albert [Nathan Lane] – together they run a drag club in South Beach, FL where Albert stars as Starina. While Barbra’s family is made up of the highly conservative Senator Keeley [Gene Hackman] and her traditional mother, Louise Keeley [Dianne Wiest] who just happens to be up for reelection and is in the middle of a massive scandal. In an attempt to calm down the press vultures, the Keeley’s agree to meet the Goldman’s at their ‘summer home’ that just happens to be above the drag club that they fail to mention that they own to the Senator. Desperate for her parents to approve of the wedding Val asks that his family ‘tone it down’ thus launching a slew of hilarity.

This cult classic is laced in show tunes and draped in ’90s Drag Queen anthems. Soaked in an immense amount of talent, The Birdcage is a lighthearted comedy that shows love can bring the most unlikely people together. While you enjoy this vintage playlist and laugh as one of the most iconic moments in cinematic history, remember to check on your friends, family, and everyone you deem important in your life. If you or someone you know is battling with substance abuse, thoughts of depression, or suicide – there is Help, there is Hope, there is Light.

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE