Siskel & Ebert "My Dinner with Andre"

2 raves for "My Dinner with Andre", Louis Malle's great film of a fascinating dinner conversation between 2 wildly different old friends.

[@stretmediq]

And what's just as fascinating as watching Wally and Andre talk is watching Siskel and Ebert talk about watching Wally and Andre talk

[@garysolorzano3216]

Very well said. In fact I still enjoy S&E even more than Andre and Wally here on KZbin.

[@dr3754]

oh shite nagga, you right

[@Fluffy6555]

But nothing will top talking about watching Siskel and Ebert talk about watching Wally and Andre talk.

[@andreewert1142]

when you get interested in other people, people get interested in you...it takes humility to listen and learn.

[@c.m.8158]

HAHAHAHAHAHA! Nailed it!

[@deckofcards87]

Yes that opening is strangely hypnotic, and so is the ending when Wally's in his cab watching out the window. Thinking about his world in a whole new light.

[@johndalton3180]

I grew up in New Jersey, and I'll always be grateful to Siskel & Ebert for showing me that there was more to movies than big blockbusters. And the rewards of seeking out smaller, indie, or foreign films. I remember watching this review at age 12, and it stuck with me.

[@samanthab1923]

John Dalton NJ upbringing too. Remember when they were first on PBS. I thought they were a couple.

[@hotmetalslugs]

Same here. I rented this movie about 10 years later and it sucked though. They just didn’t grab me.

[@johndalton3180]

@@samanthab1923 they were on PBS. Then syndicated on channel 11. Then their Buena Vista Disney show was on WABC.

[@samanthab1923]

@@johndalton3180 Right

[@metatron1970]

So glad to find this old clip of Siskel & Ebert who both seem wildly enthusiastic about the film. Ebert is correct about Andre Gregory's storytelling abilities: the mind conjures up images as Gregory relates his adventures. Its been years since I've seen it but I still recall so much of it: the description of the Beehive, the symbolic burial and resurrection, seeing a faun at a Long Island mass, Wallace Shawn enjoying the simple pleasures of life like curling up in his electric blanket while reading Charlton Heston's autobiography. The ending, with Shawn visibly moved by the experience of this fascinating conversation while not wholeheartedly embracing Gregory's New Age wackiness, easily doubles as the audience's reaction to the film they've just been seeing. There's truly never been another film like it.

[@StorytellingHeadshots]

The Before Trilogy just left the chat.

[@reginaldforthright805]

He has a hypnotic voice, would be a great cult leader.

[@justgivemethetruth]

I'll always remember the ending music of Eric Satie.

[@FN_FAL_4_ever]

This movie- along with Paris, Texas- is pure cinematic art.

[@SallySallySallySally]

Re: Paris Texas. It's a different genre but, as you say, real cinematic art. Another such Wim Wenders movie is "Wings of Desire."

[@j.craiganderson4978]

I loved this movie so much that I went right out and bought the action figures.

[@joshbusby47]

+J. Craig Anderson Me too, but being an avid collector I'm concerned about their value depreciating due to damage. However, I believe I have solved the problem by storing them in my "Remains of the Day" lunchbox.

[@j.craiganderson4978]

joshbusby47 I used to have one of those, but the Martians took it.

[@joshbusby47]

Now that's not right. I understand that nothing ever happens on Mars, but that doesn't give those fellows the right to get their kicks by just taking your stuff like that. Those Martians are real bastard people.

[@j.craiganderson4978]

joshbusby47 Yes they are! I threw a stool at them, but unfortunately I missed.

[@warbot4017]

+joshbusby47 I hate those martians and their stupid ass face

[@jadentrez]

One of the greatest hidden treasures of this film (I rewatch it every year, usually in summer) is that it invites you to participate. I always cook myself a nice steak with potatoes, open up a bottle of red wine and join them at the table. As I eat and drink, I feel like I am with them in that restaurant and quietly just listening. It's always a wonderful evening.

[@KatWoodland]

I am going to do just that!

[@Taintless101]

This is a fabulous idea. I love this movie but had never thought of this. Thanks.

[@PulkitKinra]

Sounds like a great idea 👍🏻

[@bdavis7981]

A fun spoof would be Wally doing all the talking as he goes into endless detail about doing his laundry, shopping, ordering at the deli, etc.

[@flowerpt]

Basically Seinfeld.

[@Progger11]

Your avatar is cancer.

[@davidjohnson8231]

Ebert mentioned how when Gene saw a movie he really loved, his spirits would be high for a week. I think this was one of those movies.

[@sha11235]

This film actually was going to close when they reviewed it, but because of their raves, it ran in NY for a year.

[@reezdog]

Its basically a Podcast Movie.

[@danithefoot633]

Was gna say the same

[@joelswe86]

Its like the first Podcast ever made!!!

[@thx4dluv]

I saw this film in the 70's or 80's but my attention was not completely there. I always new that I had to watch it again some day. 40 something yrs later I finally gave it my full attention and it was an emotional experience.

[@pineoandloeb]

Two 1980s intellectuals on film talking about how amazing a film about two 1980s intellectuals talking is. Amazing!

[@CryptoTruthBombs]

LOL

[@suzycreamcheesez4371]

what does "talking is" mean?

[@brucejackson6451]

"Andre" is certainly one of the greatest movies ever made, but Gene, if EVERY movie was like this, just two guys describing something, don't you think it'd get pretty boring after awhile? Its uniqueness is what makes it so special.

[@JaimeYeyoquin]

I don't think he can reply you bro :/

[@brucejackson6451]

Good point. Just rhetorical.

[@leomilmet854]

Well, yes. If EVERY film was like that, but more can be made without taking anything away from it. Especially if there's more bookends to the dinner than this film has.

[@HisCanadianStory]

Bruce Jackson it would be kinda funny if they did an action movie with just two guys talking about the action at a dinner table

[@Delphia]

It would be called "Joe Rogan Experience."

[@Mediaworkscpv]

It's weird but I remember in my childhood. My parents would talk with relatives and friends for hours. They would get so into their conversation that it seemed like time would go by without them realizing it. It kind of sad how we live in a generation that has forgot the art of conversation. I know I am guilty of this, I find myself tuning out in conversations and thinking what I want to do next.

[@BJRoes]

It’s like the first podcast

[@maolsheachlannoceallaigh4772]

I can't decide whether my favourite movie is My Dinner with André or The Expendables.

[@Trismegustis]

And yet neither are as good as the unofficial sequel to this movie, My Dinner with Andre the Giant. That man had such heart.

[@ricarleite]

Best comment I've read in years

[@Nathan-gd7xq]

The Expendables > My Dinner With Andre > The Expendables 2 & 3.

[@bobbob465]

That's very possibly the most bipolar movie palette I've ever heard of.

[@RobertWF42]

@@Trismegustis You're talking about The Princess Bride? One of my wife's favorite films.

[@lslvn]

I loved this movie! And man, it's been years since I've seen these two. Those glasses are HUGE!! So 80's lol

[@safespacebear]

There's a great performance by both leads in this film but I love the dynamic of the conversation. Wally is just knocked over at first with all this new age stuff Andre is going on about but by the third act he's regained his footing and pushes back a bit. Very interesting to watch.

[@KatWoodland]

At last! An intelligent human. You. Excellent comment. (Owen Benjamin is a comedian I appreciate too.)

[@luckyirvin]

saw this one in '81, was already entranced by alan watts this one rocked for me

[@mythicalfair8130]

I loved the bit where he says Hollywood is spending TENS of millions of dollars to make movies, when now movies costing over $100 million is no big deal.

[@bobthebear1246]

Timmy Too Turnt Up *100 million

[@kissmyasthma3155]

Because inflation

[@samanthab1923]

Did you see the graffiti on that subway car?

[@flowerpt]

Excellent point, Roger, the storytelling is very visual.

[@Protoman85]

inconceivable!

[@luckyirvin]

ow me sides.. too much iocaine powder

[@maskedmarvyl4774]

You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it does.

[@TheVagolfer]

Filmed in my hometown of Richmond, Virginia, at the then dilapidated Hotel Jefferson.

[@jasonmaxwell9762]

The budget for this movie was the cost of a dinner at a restaurant.

[@USAMontanan]

I loved their show

[@futile-evenings]

Better than any movie made in the last 20 years with all the cgi and technology and huge budget

[@jp3813]

Tell, don't show.

[@NVR-fold]

Such a brilliant film.

[@dannigro8794]

Unfortunately both siskel & ebert are gone. But Wallace & Andre are still around.

[@andrewattenboroughtwothumb4697]

one of my favourite classic movies and great classic review by siskel and Ebert

[@steelyman08]

I'm so glad you uploaded this! Thank you. This movie is life-changing for many. There's never been a better time than the present (2020)!

[@matthewboyce5123]

Yes, I agree, Andre and Wally really paint a picture

[@abehani7133]

I watched it three times the week I discovered the movie, I was blown away by it. However, when I referred it to a friend of mine, a really smart guy, he found it unwatchable, and stopped watching it after 20 minutes. Not for everybody!

[@cheryllipps9887]

some peoples cognitive dissonance is two strong. Something the film talks about for a moment

[@mrzoperxplex]

How so much different "Sneak Previews" was compared to "Siskel & Ebert" where film clips were much more extensive and more numerous and the critics were allowed to expound more exhaustively on their reviews because of the absence of commercials.

[@sha11235]

The reason was that SP was on public TV where there were no commercials so they had to make the show longer.

[@krisscanlon4051]

Truly the glory yrs on PBS...loved it.

[@thicknjustrite]

In order, if you liked this movie, be sure to see: "Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, Before Midnight." Same 2 people in each basically doing the same thing, having quality conversation. Strips away the Actors & we see 2 Human beings, which is relatable to most, & fascinating. Not for every1, including MdwA.

[@SirHatchporch]

Yes, I watched that just a little while ago. I love NC's old tribute to Siskel & Ebert as well.

[@Arielgimble]

This could actually be siskel and ebert (my dinner with Andre is almost just like these 2 debating everything) and god chicago was lucky to have the weirdest and best film critics, I love and miss them!

[@garyweglarz]

A truly wonderful, inspiring bit of film magic. One of my favorites.

[@Barry_the_dog]

I have found that you can tell a lot about a person using this movie as a gauge. What ones reaction and level of understanding to this film are, if they “get it” or not, and to the level of how much they “get it”. It really says and reveals a lot about a person.

[@williambenton6254]

If they like it, stay away from them

[@kennethanderson-wd2cx]

If they don’t like it they are shallow, stay away from them.

[@avisco01]

The alternate ending to this film is when Andre does a backflip, snaps the bad guy’s neck, and saves the day.

[@nerone1984]

ah! the director's snap is such an underrated masterpiece!

[@patrickkelly5004]

I saw this film the first time in 1983 or 84 (I've watched it twice) in a repertory movie house where Andre Gregory once worked, which I didn't know at the time. I persuaded my sister and her boyfriend to join me, and I thought he might walk out, but he stayed, and quietly seethed. I thought the movie was hilarious, and beautiful.

[@sha11235]

First time I ever heard of Wallace Shawn was Princess Bride, where he was funny. I didn't know he was a writer until much later.

[@gordonowens7794]

The music was also amazing.

[@williambenton6254]

It has ONE song in it. And it’s not even original

[@andybaldman]

It’s a podcast before there were podcasts.

[@mrmojomajestic8317]

It's available for free on KZbin.

[@emmaduncan2991]

Inconceivable!

[@mariogamefreak1]

The movie is just basically a podcast

[@justgivemethetruth]

I remember seeing this on broadcast TV on Sneak Previews. S&E turned me on to a lot of foreign movies too that I would have never normally have thought to see. I loved this movie, and really like just talking movies, like "Mindwalk".

[@paxwallacejazz]

Man I am old I guess I remember going to the alterna-movietheatre in Seattle as a young man. I'd totally forgotten this film wish I'd bought the action figures too.

[@KRhetor]

You can win bets at parties on whether or not Siskel and Ebert both loved a Troma film.

[@trixie9867]

wow love it

[@adrianmedrano6650]

Eye opener

[@RHampton]

Saw this review as a kid. Saw a clip from the movie and went hunting for the critical review. I am still not convinced it is worth watching. Will check back in another 40 years.

[@omargonzalez2641]

Yeah it's satisfaction movie watching.

[@QuintTheSharker]

Such a great movie. Few movies can stay in a single setting for 2 hours and hold your attention. Sort of like an existential 12 angry men.

[@southendonseaarts]

Totally enjoyed this you stop watching them have dinner and are engrossed in two guys having a conversation and of course they are acting

[@FirstNameLastName-kt3zn]

This is one of my favorite films. I think a lot of what Wally and Andre discuss is self-indulgent, but it is still interesting.

[@ricarleite]

Why not a sequel with just Wally? "My Dinner with Andre 2 - My solo TV dinner without Andre, just myself" - and we see him eating slowly, chewing his food... and every 15 mins he sighs, and goes on...

[@tenisalot]

there is one : "Vanya on 42nd Street" Shawn is amazing and funny...

[@j5555785]

amazing how this critique predicts the unanticipated success of long form podcasts

[@dynamicvoltage9765]

The rape scene felt really out of place

[@nativewizard]

I remember the arcade game of the film

[@trackstarz]

“Tens of Millions of Dollars” 😂 Hollywood didn’t learn anything from this movie

[@JosephTheAustin]

Siskel perfectly got the film.

[@CJusticeHappen21]

Podcast: The Movie

[@lamecasuelas2]

It's a great movie!

[@synchro505]

Will New York City ever recapture the glory it had around the time this film was made? I really, really hope so.

[@sha11235]

I think Roger picked it as the best film of that year, if I recall correctly.

[@IvanLendl87]

sha11235 That’s what I recall. Can’t remember if Gene also chose it as his year-end #1.

[@ericburns9132]

​@@IvanLendl87 Gene had it at number 2, he had Ragtime at number 1.

[@kennethanderson-wd2cx]

Not every movie needs car crashes and laser shows.

[@lance.]

Anyone else here because of Community?

[@frankbonini9128]

Would Love to Have Seen Them Review "My Breakfast with Blassie"

[@frankmachin5438]

This was originally filmed for TV back in the day when they used to stretch an animal intestine over the camera lens....it’s kinda gone out of fashion

[@hm5142]

I saw this movie when it came out. I was a physics graduate student, and although it was an interesting setup, I found Andre's credulity and lack of discernment to be really annoying. It felt like you could tell Andre anything when he was in the right frame of mind and he would believe it. The fact that a supposedly intelligent person would say the things he did was unbelievable. I usually liked Siskel and Ebert, so this completely mixed up my calibration for them. For much of the movie, I thought he was purposefully acting as a self-parody. But I do believe he was playing the part straight. I might try the movie again as a golden ager to see if I have become less judgmental in my later years. I will have to say that I like the movie very much from a visual point of view, with the waiter standing by.

[@tc98826]

I thought this movie sucked. The conversation felt so scripted. Maybe it was just the acting.

[@jamesmack3314]

It's good but no where near as epic as "Con air"

James Mack Con FUCKIN’ Air, bro.

[@krisscanlon4051]

Oh my lol

[@jamesmack3314]

Cy-ah- nara!!

[@j-dub618]

Double RIP

[@movieman104]

great movie shawn at his best n yes ive seen princress bride

[@antomin1709]

Rol,,.. Rollover ..Rollover is a 1981 American political thriller film directed by Alan J. Pakula and starring Jane Fonda and Kris Kristofferson.

[@TuMalditaMadre]

Tell me more

[@HenryConway007]

The Nostalgia Critic (who Ebert was a fan of) posted a particularly touching tribute to him.

[@buzzcrushtrendkill]

Theater Of The Mind

[@NVR-fold]

The dialouge.

[@jlobiafra]

There should of been a movie My dinner with Andre the Giant

[@jayazathoth8530]

I love this film, but now I can't watch without expecting the Joker clown-mask mob to run in and start trashing the place.

[@williambenton6254]

Why?

[@josephhuether1184]

I loved this movie… …although I don’t think they actually ate anything.

[@speedmastermarkiii]

Tell me more!

[@maskedmarvyl4774]

If a friend of yours seriously told you that he had friends that grew plants where they talk to the insects and come to an understanding, and the insects leave most of the plants alone, you'd quietly smile and nod, and then when he talks about how his friends name their major appliances and treat them with the same respect they treat their wife, you'd call a mental health professional and commit him to an institution where he can talk to the drinking fountain. Yes, Andre is amiable..... for about 30 seconds. But if you start really listening to what he's saying, it becomes apparent that he's insane and if you listen to him long enough, you'll become insane too. My idea of hell isn't flames and pitchforks; it's being trapped on a Grey Hound bus with a guy like this for eternity.

[@bertilknudsen]

˝We're fascinated by that» - really?

[@birdmusic1206]

My son wants to watch movies like the Avengers or Spiderman but I'll have none of it. We have watched My Dinner with Andre five times so far, and he still doesn't appreciate it. At 10 years old I think he is old enough to begin grasping how great movies like this are. We will be watching it again next Friday.

[@jp3813]

Just use that as his punishment whenever he does something wrong.

[@cheriebomb158]

What a way to repel someone from something, shove it down their throat!

[@llllllllllll878]

Not all 10 year olds, if any at all, can comprehend adult content. A 10 year old is a child - not an adult. It’s too bad that he’s likely to not appreciate this movie when he’s older, because of the feelings of sheer frustration and numbing boredom associated with having to watch something when he was 10 that he couldn’t understand, that went way the bleep over his head. Poor kid. It would’ve been wise to introduce him to this movie anytime after age 30, along with Waking Life (2001) movie. My Dinner with Andre is a profound adult conversation. Parents shouldn’t behave like they have expectations that a child comprehend the conversation that is this movie. I advise you to try to find deep stories that are age-appropriate - that he’ll be able to appreciate because he’s able to comprehend them. For starters: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (the C.S. Lewis series) and its sequels, The Wind in the Willows, The Phantom Tollbooth (its a book and a movie.), The Red Balloon (1956) (in book and movie.), White Mane (1953) movie (I admit this one has subtitles, but it's still a movie the under-18 group is likely to be able to grasp.), Inside Out (2015) movie, The Karate Kid (1984). There are others that can be added to this list. Lastly, I like ‘My Dinner with Andre’ - thought-provoking stuff.

[@martind349]

My Dinner with Andre is sort of the anti-Rooms with a Serbian.

[@lindy9196]

I thought the rape scene was a bit weird and out of place

[@aah4587]

Who is here cause of “Community”

[@adam7748]

Is anyone on this thread, including Siskel & Ebert, NOT gay?

[@tugboat2030]

So Wallace Shawn would prefer to stay home and have his girlfriend cook him something, but she can't because she's a waitress because they need extra money, so he goes out to dinner? Quite a plot hole, no?

[@felicciasc]

André picked it up

[@bertilknudsen]

Well, there you go - French ingeniousness.

[@justgivemethetruth]

0:35 - I wonder what become of Wally's girlfriend, Debbie? I don't think Wally ever really describes why he has been avoiding Andre for years?

[@movieman104]

what if it was my dinner with andre the giant?

[@phildirt3]

I never got it!

[@zymaymyn]

The first hour of this movie was pretty boring, and then it started to get a bit interesting. Not my favorite movie, but it pays off in the end if you hang in there.

[@marcjustmarc]

Community brought me here :-)

[@lawrencescott2824]

Eating with a wrestler