My Dinner With Andre part 1

part 1:
initially upon hearing about this film one would think stage definitely. But when you watch this multiple times--the first time you just bathe in this avalanche of rich conversation. The second time you notice the preface and the coda with Shawn and this really adds a melancholic nostalgia to the experience.

cont:
the next 20 times you marvel at the range and depth and whimsy of the detail of their conversation. And during those viewings you notice the nuances and pauses between the words.

cont
the 25th time you notice the mannerisms and expressions (often non-expression might be more apt) of the wonderful waiter; what a face, if I could paint I would paint that face.
The 30th time you notice the others in the restaurant and it is amazing to find that it is not a restaurant but a set because this set with it's subdued clink of utensils, murmured talk, muffled laughter breathes all the energy of a sleepily snobbish establishment.

cont:
and perhaps the 31st time you revisit that sublime ending; and you realize that all the weight of ideas they threw around like pebbles in the water and feathers in the wind are part of him in that taxi, the NY night and will warm both him and Debbie when they turn in for the night under their electric blanket. He is so enriched as are we, those of us who have the desire and patience to drink in these words and this film. What a film.

It nice to see other people have watched this movie as many times as I have. Probably 500 times or so for me.

do you remember the first time you saw it, and what you thought and felt because by now the feelings about it has to be different.

I first saw it I think 12 years ago and I think it was on tv

Thanks, Jack! You just saved me a trip to my DVD player w/this posting!

This film was probably Richard Linklater's biggest influence.

I agree. I can see influences in this film, but it has its own points to make too. All works of philosophy and art and film etc. have influences and things that came before, that contributed. This is the way culture develops, nobody ever produces anything in a vacuum. Rimbaud should understand this, and not try to say that Gurdijeff was like the first and only person to ever think about these things...come on now! Thats crazy!

This is such a wonderful movie, and good thing it isn't about Gurdjieff!!! Thats a relief! WONDERFUL MOVIE!!!!!!