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My Dinner with Andre 1981

Biography

Drama

Comedy

Box Office

$5.1K

Runtime

110 min

Language

English

Directed by

Louis Malle

Made by

New Yorker Films

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of My Dinner with Andre (1981). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.

Struggling playwright Wally, portrayed by Wallace Shawn, feels an overwhelming sense of dread as he prepares for a dinner with his old acquaintance Andre, played by Andre Gregory. This is not just any dinner; it’s been a long time since Wally last engaged with Andre, who has been on an extensive spiritual journey since departing from his theater directing career in 1975. This journey has led Andre into realms of synchronicity, eastern spirituality, a near-death experience, and ventures into utopian communes.

Within the elegant settings of a New York restaurant, Andre begins to recount some of his outlandish adventures since their last meeting. He shares stories about his time working with the influential director Jerzy Grotowski and a group of Polish actors amidst the serene woods of Poland, his travels to the Sahara to craft a play inspired by The Little Prince by Saint-Exupéry, and his explorations at Findhorn in Scotland. One particularly memorable episode he describes is organizing Halloween-themed experiences with friends, which included a striking activity where participants were momentarily buried alive.

As the conversation unfolds, Andre explains that these escapades were vital for him to awaken from a mundane existence and discover what it means to be human. However, Wally counters this perspective, expressing that such a lifestyle is unattainable for the average person. He finds joy in simpler, more commonplace pleasures, such as enjoying a hot cup of coffee or curling up under his new electric blanket. Andre, however, warns that an excessive focus on comfort could lead to perilous complacency, suggesting that what many consider a “normal” life in New York during the late 1970s is, in fact, merely a dream, rather than true reality.

Despite the contrasting views, both friends engage in an honest dialogue, allowing their individual thoughts to breathe freely. As the night advances and the restaurant empties, they ultimately part ways on amicable terms. With Andre graciously picking up the tab for dinner, Wally indulges himself in a taxi ride home, feeling a profound connection to the familiar sights he observes along the journey. Upon arriving home, he excitedly shares the details of his enlightening dinner with Andre to his girlfriend, eager to express the impact of their conversations.

Timeline

Track the key events of My Dinner with Andre (1981) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.

Wally Prepares for Dinner

Wally, a struggling playwright, is filled with anxiety as he gets ready for a dinner with his old friend Andre. The anticipation of rekindling their friendship after so long brings a mix of dread and curiosity about what Andre has experienced during their time apart.

Late 1970s New York restaurant

Andre's Spiritual Journey

Andre shares his extensive spiritual journey since stepping away from his theater career in 1975. His experiences include explorations into eastern spirituality, synchronicity, and a life-altering near-death experience that changed his perspective on existence.

Recollections of Poland

While dining, Andre recounts his time working with notable director Jerzy Grotowski and Polish actors in the serene woods of Poland. These memories highlight the artistic and emotional depth of his past involvement in theater, setting a stark contrast with Wally's current struggles.

Poland

Adventures in the Sahara

Andre talks about his journey to the Sahara where he aimed to create a play inspired by The Little Prince by Saint-Exupéry. This anecdote showcases his adventurous spirit and commitment to art, which is a divergence from the conventional paths that Wally feels trapped by.

Sahara

Findhorn Exploration

Another significant part of Andre's journey was his time spent at Findhorn in Scotland. This exploration into spiritual living provided him insights that he deems essential for true human existence, challenging Wally's understanding of life's meaning.

Findhorn, Scotland

Halloween Experiences

Andre shares a particularly memorable experience where he organized Halloween-themed activities with friends, including an unusual event where participants were buried alive. This shocking recount illustrates the extremes Andre is willing to explore in his search for genuine experience.

Contrasting Worldviews

As the conversation flows, Wally expresses skepticism about Andre's lifestyle, believing it to be unattainable for the average person. He finds happiness in simple pleasures, providing a stark contrast to Andre's adventurous, albeit tumultuous, experiences.

Warning Against Complacency

Andre cautions Wally against an excessive focus on comfort, arguing that such an approach could lead to complacency. He describes what many see as a 'normal' life as merely a dream, alluding to deeper existential questions that provoke Wally's thoughts.

Late 1970s

Honest Dialogue

Regardless of their differing views, Wally and Andre engage in an open and honest dialogue throughout the dinner. Their conversation allows both perspectives to coexist, enriching their understanding of each other’s lives and beliefs despite their contrasting lifestyles.

New York restaurant

Parting Ways

As the night draws to a close and the restaurant begins to empty, Wally and Andre part ways on friendly terms. Andre graciously pays the dinner tab, emphasizing the bond they still share despite their differing life choices.

Late 1970s New York restaurant

Taxi Ride Home

Wally takes a taxi ride home, reflecting on the profound connection he felt during his conversation with Andre. The familiar sights of the city evoke a sense of nostalgia and contemplation about his own life choices.

Late 1970s New York City

Sharing Insights with Girlfriend

Upon arriving home, Wally eagerly shares the highlights and insights from his dinner with Andre with his girlfriend. This moment underscores the impact of their discussions, illustrating how impactful connections can inspire thought and reflection.

Wally's home

Characters

Meet the characters that bring My Dinner with Andre (1981) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.

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

Setting

Uncover the settings of My Dinner with Andre (1981), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.

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

Themes

Explore the core themes of My Dinner with Andre (1981). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.

💭

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.