My Dinner with Andre (1981)

In the heart of New York City, Wallace Shawn, a 36-year-old playwright and actor, finds himself reluctantly preparing for an evening rendezvous. His dinner date is an old friend, Andre Gregory, a former Broadway director who dropped out of the stage's spotlight to traverse the far-flung corners of the world. The two reunite at an upscale French restaurant, their reunion tinged with whispers of Andre's supposed descent into madness following his global escapades. As the evening unfolds, the restaurant's ambient clatter forms a backdrop to the intimate revelations shared between them. Andre, the more loquacious of the pair, weaves tales of his adventures, applying his theatrical knowledge of improvisation to the grand stage of life. His narratives range from his encounters with a monk who can balance his entire weight on his fingertips to his exploration of diverse lifestyles across the globe. Wallace, on the other hand, listens with rapt attention, digesting Andre's experiences, yet questioning the practicality of his friend's global escapism. This prompts a deep dive into a philosophical discourse, exploring if people in western society are sleepwalking through life. They contemplate if one can truly thrive on mundane comforts like chicken dinners and electric blankets or if there's a need to seek out extraordinary experiences. They ponder the purpose of life, the importance of labels, and if these experiences are mere coincidences or intended for the individual. "My Dinner with Andre" is a fascinating journey through a single evening, where conversations span continents and philosophies while examining the essence of life. Two old friends navigate the delicate balance of their differing perspectives, sparking a dialogue that is as intriguing as it is thought-provoking.

My Dinner with Andre is a drama movie featuring Wallace Shawn.

My Dinner with Andre is currently streaming on Criterion Channel and Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy My Dinner with Andre on Amazon Video and Apple TV.