My Dinner with Andre
My Dinner with Andre is a 1981 American comedy-drama film directed by Louis Malle and written by André Gregory and Wallace Shawn, who also play fictionalized versions of themselves.
My Dinner with Andre is a 1981 American comedy-drama film directed by Louis Malle and written by André Gregory and Wallace Shawn, who also play fictionalized versions of themselves. The film follows a conversation over dinner between two old friends in Manhattan and is noted for its philosophical dialogue and highly minimal structure.
Synopsis
The film centres on two old friends, André and Wally, meeting for dinner after a long separation. Their conversation gradually becomes an extended exchange about their different worldviews and life experiences.
Production and style
My Dinner with Andre is notable for its stripped-down, dialogue-driven format and its use of real names for the two lead performers. The film was based on the friendship and theatrical careers of Gregory and Shawn, and it presents a largely single-setting conversation.
Release and reception
The film was released in the United States on October 11, 1981. Contemporary reception was largely positive, and later critical attention helped establish it as an influential and highly regarded work.
Legacy
The film has been frequently discussed as an unusual and influential example of conversational cinema. It is often cited for its philosophical content, theatrical roots, and minimalist approach to storytelling.
Key facts
- The film is a 1981 American comedy-drama directed by Louis Malle.
- It was written by and stars André Gregory and Wallace Shawn as fictionalized versions of themselves.
- Most of the film consists of a dinner conversation in Manhattan.
- Its discussion covers theatre, spirituality, humanism, love, death, money, and the meaning of life.
- The film was initially well received and later came to be regarded as a classic.
The film has screened in Canadian repertory and art-cinema contexts, including at the Art Gallery of Ontario’s film programming and in Canadian streaming/cable catalogues such as Apple TV Canada.[14]
Frequently asked questions
What is My Dinner with Andre about?
Who directed My Dinner with Andre?
Who wrote My Dinner with Andre?
When was My Dinner with Andre released?
What genre is My Dinner with Andre?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Dinner_with_AndreSupports: Basic film identification, release date, director, writers, stars, genre, and synopsis.
- ACMI — https://www.acmi.net.au/works/92342--my-dinner-with-andre/Supports: Film description noting the conversation-based structure and real-life friendship basis.
- Criterion — https://www.criterion.com/current/posts/1178-my-dinner-with-andre-long-strange-tripsSupports: Discussion of the film's setting, structure, and the lead performers playing versions of themselves.
- RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-my-dinner-with-andre-1981Supports: Commentary on the film's conversational format and reputation.
- Apple TV Canada — https://tv.apple.com/ca/movie/my-dinner-with-andre/umc.cmc.1s4tgcio0fadigjlspbnvdhemSupports: Canadian availability and runtime listing.