Review of Diner (1982) by Elgan D — 06 Nov 2009

Well written in terms of dialogue but messy in terms of narrative structure. But who knows, perhaps Levinson made it like this to represent the tattered lives of the principle characters.

Despite the messy, at times off putting stucture, this film is a deep,well written film exploring the lives of some coming-to-age youths in late 1959. Each character is portrayed well but Mickey Rourke gives what is probably the best performance, as the best formed character of the film.

Written well with what I assume is an acurate portrayal of 1950's America, Barry Levinson carves a realistic story with all too human characters which are very easy to relate too (myself finding one) that will live on forever, even if the context of the time they are living in is soon forgotten. The dialogue is snappy and funny yet tagic too but not with deaths and crime; with emotions. Coming to terms with oneself, break ups, loving relationships, crumbling relationships, lasting friendships and rocky friendships. All made real and all made effective by Levinson's almost flawless script.

This is obviously a film that some people love and some people just don't, based on the reception of the people on here. However, it is one everyone should give a go and decide for themselves. I for one really connected with it.