Review of My Dinner with Andre (1981) by Oliver S — 26 Jun 2010

I understand this movie may not be for everyone, but, boy, it really should be. "My dinner with Andre" is one of the great movie experiences of my life. I first saw the film as 19-year-old in love with literature, philosophy, and the mysteries of life. (I know that sounds laughable to some, but I can't help it.)I have watched this film now once a year for the last eight years and can tell you I constantly find something new and fresh to think about with each viewing. Louis Malle's film has an ability that few films have: it allows us to wonderfully imagine and visualize the stories being told by the men on screen. In effect, we become participants in Andre and wally's conversation, eavesdropping on their insights and painting our own pictures in our own minds. Here is a magical movie that relies on two people talking at a dinner table. That's it. No special effects, CGI,or obligatory gunfights and car chases. This movie has more important things to do than to be another Hollywood movie. It truly enlightens and entertains. And its conclusion may very well haunt your consciousness,as it leaves you to ponder both the agony and ecstasy of this thing called life.

**** Four Stars.

-Oliver Spivey.