My Dinner with Andre

My Dinner with Andre

Year: 1981

Runtime: 110 min

Language: English

Director: Louis Malle

BiographyDramaComedy

Two old friends, Wallace and Andre, reunite over dinner after five years apart. Once the toast of New York's theater scene, Andre has abandoned it all to roam the globe. Meanwhile, Wallace remains behind, struggling to make his mark as a playwright. As they break bread, Andre regales Wallace with fantastical tales from his adventures, illuminating the chasm between their worldviews and forcing them to confront the choices that have shaped their lives.

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Timeline & Setting – My Dinner with Andre (1981)
Explore the full timeline and setting of My Dinner with Andre (1981). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 1970s

The film is set in the late 1970s, a period marked by a cultural shift as people began to explore alternative lifestyles and spiritual enlightenment. This era witnessed a complex interplay between traditional societal norms and the rising interest in self-discovery and existential exploration. The discussions between Wally and Andre reflect the diverse ideologies of this transformative time.

Location

New York, Poland, Sahara, Findhorn, Scotland

The movie primarily takes place in an elegant New York restaurant, a hub for engaging conversations and reflecting on life. It also traverses through serene woods in Poland, known for its scenic beauty, and the vast Sahara Desert, iconic for its desolate landscapes. Additionally, Findhorn in Scotland is a significant location, recognized for its eco-community and spiritual retreats.

🌆 City 🌲 Nature 🏜️ Desert

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:28

Main Characters – My Dinner with Andre (1981)
Meet the key characters of My Dinner with Andre (1981), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Wally (Wallace Shawn)

Wally is a struggling playwright who embodies a more conventional and practical approach to life. He finds solace in simple pleasures and values everyday experiences such as sipping coffee. Wally often questions the attainability of Andre's unconventional lifestyle, representing the voice of practicality amidst existential exploration.

🎭 Playwright 🛋️ Comfort-Seeker

Andre (Andre Gregory)

Andre is an adventurous spirit who has embarked on a transformative journey, exploring spirituality and the meaning of existence. His charismatic storytelling and profound experiences challenge Wally’s views, urging him to reconsider his understanding of a fulfilling life. Andre symbolizes the quest for deeper truths in the human experience.

🌌 Seeker 🎭 Director

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:28

Major Themes – My Dinner with Andre (1981)
Explore the central themes of My Dinner with Andre (1981), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💭 Existentialism

The theme of existentialism is central to the movie, exploring what it means to live a meaningful life beyond societal norms. Wally's and Andre's differing perspectives highlight the tension between pursuing grand experiences and finding joy in the mundane. Through their conversation, the film delves into the depths of human experience, questioning reality and perception.

🌌 Spirituality

Spirituality emerges as a significant theme, particularly through Andre's journeys into eastern philosophies and synchronicity. His experiences reflect a quest for deeper understanding and awakening from a conventional lifestyle. This theme poses questions about the nature of human existence and fulfillment.

🍽️ Friendship

The film illustrates the importance of friendship as a space for open dialogue and contrasting beliefs. Despite their differences, Wally and Andre's connection allows for meaningful exchanges, emphasizing how friendships can foster personal growth and insight through shared experiences.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:28

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