'Triangle of Sadness' Director Breaks Down a Dinner Date Scene | Vanity Fair

Director and screenwriter Ruben Östlund breaks down a dinner scene from his new film 'Triangle of Sadness.'
Director: Jackie Phillips
Producer: Adam Lance Garcia
Director of Photography: Dave Sanders
Editor: Cory Stevens
Celebrity Talent: Ruben Östlund
Line Producer: Jen Santos
Production Manager: Robert Cooper
Production Coordinator: Mark Bond
Talent Booker: Lauren Mendoza
Camera Operator: Nigel Akam
Gaffer: Dave Plank
Grip: Alvin Sun
Audio: Kevin Teixeira
Production Assistant: Nicole Murphy
Post Production Supervisor: Marco Glinbizzi
Post Production Coordinator: Jovan James
Supervising Editor: Kameron Key
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[@Nancy-sf2pl]

May Charlbi Dean rest in peace 💔

[@bettytigers]

She sounded to be a kind person, who wanted a kinder world.

[@matthewyoung8314]

such a waste

[@froztii9087]

I just watched the movie yesterday, rip😢

[@leonardoguerrero444]

She was fantastic, I know she would've gotten so many other great roles after this. May she rest in peace🕊

[@filippomazzucato6527]

What a fantastic girl

[@samuela-aegisdottir]

The dinner scene and the continuation of the scene in the elevator was a masterpiece.

[@gloverelaxis]

i don't think i've seen another director tease out the tensions of an argument so realistically

[@gulliverthegullible6667]

Really?!? Why?!? I hated that scene so much I almost walked out of the cinema. I had a hard time enjoying the movie after a solid block of 20 minutes of bickering with no comedic relief to speak of

[@DelFlo]

@@gulliverthegullible6667 if you hate that scene you hate life

[@gulliverthegullible6667]

@@DelFlo really? both characters were unlikable, they were constantly bickering. There was no humour in those scenes. I fail to see any educational or entertainment value in the scene. Why would I hate life just because I don't like listen to people bickering?

[@Kraisedion]

@@gulliverthegullible6667 Depends what you mean with "entertainment value". The entire scene is filled with tension and unease, amplified with almost every look and attempt to talk/stop the conversation, with the occasional changes in tone to give the audience a slight breath, though never loosening up completely. That's very "entertaining", or should I say captivating/attention-grabbing, and then you have the current social norms around the topic at play, with different clashes of views I'm sure is running through people's heads as it plays out (maybe slightly less so outside of Scandinavia?). You could certainly argue that neither character is likable, but both are interesting, and likable characters are not really something that's needed (though that too might be more Scandinavian?).

[@simonjohansson248]

Back in 2015, my film school class was doing a parody of Behind-the-scenes dokumentaries for the end-of-term party. Ruben came to our school that day for a conference and, as we were all big fans of his movies, we asked him if he wanted appear in our film. He agreed and played an intern who wanted to learn how to make movies. He was such a great guy and and such an inspiration!

[@CannibalWHORE22]

He really is an awesome guy. I send him messages on instagram and he actually responds. I like that his awards seem to not change him.

[@antonbarstrom6959]

OMG! Tjena Simon! Satte kaffet i halsen när jag började läsa din kommentar! ^^ Hoppas att allt är bra med dig!

[@DanielMartActor]

you still have the videoof that?

[@motulifelikefigures1987]

amazing how nothing in his films is accidental. so much meaning put into compositions and frames. you don't think about those things but subconsciously u will get all the vibe and energy of it. he's a director u certainly have to follow. the square was geniuos! so was force majeure!

[@blackbird8837]

The Room is the best example of that. What a masterpiece, a true pinnacle of filmmaking.

[@Arkomu]

I’m totally schocked to learn that Charibi Dean has died. I watched the movie yesterday and I didn’t know this. Such a promising actress and beautiful soul 😢

[@gd5158]

I mean only people who were close to her knew if she had a beautiful soul but definitely had a really, really beautiful face

[@Toni7454]

She was my friend, her soul was even more beautiful than her face. 🤍

[@Cyberaser]

Oh my gosh and even before the start in cinema. :(

[@millicentthecat]

Just saw this movie and it was pure madness and pure perfection

[@millicentmae3465]

Millicent!

[@millicentthecat]

@@millicentmae3465 !!!

[@iridio77beveamstel25]

i thought it was shallow

[@millicentthecat]

@@iridio77beveamstel25 What made you think so? :)

[@iridio77beveamstel25]

@@millicentthecat the topic and the idea it can be fine, even though is not original . The way they go through the story is obvious, nothing new or unexpected and also is faced in a superficial way , the dialogue or the gag one after another , like influencers who live given more importance to their photos instead their living moment, rich people who are not capable to do anything practical and they buy everything and everyone with their money ..

[@coolkidsbros3041]

Rest In Peace Charlbi Dean and my deepest condolences to her family and friends.

[@15iannava]

I can't express enough how much I love this film. It's like the movie version of The White Lotus.

[@xyoxus]

Check out Nine Perfect Strangers, fits into the "rich people vacation" genre too

[@GH-fb9dh]

That’s exactly why I hate it. The White Lotus cult is getting so tiresome. Too overrated

[@mitza420]

​@@GH-fb9dhI liked the first season but the second one is overrated

[@perry5509]

Omg this, and how in the end all Lala does is walk 10 minutes to discover 'We were at a Luxury Resort the whole time!' - That humour is so White Lotus

[@ItsNessaTho]

​@@perry5509 Yaya* but I agree

[@Patowtow]

This scene was so excruciating to watch. And the whole film was honestly brilliant!!

[@gulliverthegullible6667]

This scene was so annoying I almost walked out of the cinema. Just constant bickering. What was the point of this?!? It was very hard to endure.

[@biohead66]

@@gulliverthegullible6667 what's the point of art? there's no point, it's art and it is subjective. I thought it was an interesting scene that set up their power dynamic, but I have to agree it wasn't funny.

[@jeffsanders3453]

@@biohead66 I don’t think this scene is suppose to be funny. It’s suppose to be awkward and difficult to watch. You are witnessing an uncomfortable situation but unlike if you were at the restaurant and could ignore it, you can’t here. You are bared to witness a couple quietly arguing with each other.

[@roberttredgett9815]

Dragged though towards the end like maybe 30 mins too long for me anyway great film though

[@mondgaytano]

Charlbi 💔 so much potential

[@jimjamjones5335]

The use of diagetic and non diagetic sound is really cool in this movie. The sound adds to the pacing so much!

[@dylansteyn8862]

Just saw this film in the cinema.. wow, what a ride! Intense, chaotic, funny and above all a commentary on social roles in the 21st century. 10/10 Ruben, Charlbi, Harris and the whole team!

[@jking4973]

Just saw this film. My god it was absolutely brilliant. Absolutely bonkers, and wickedly funny. I beg everyone to please watch this movie.

[@jumpscare1530]

Where did you watch it?

[@jking4973]

@@jumpscare1530 in theaters

[@ccan_max5285]

@@jumpscare1530 its out in cinemas Friday in some countries

[@hoangling4344]

Are you kidding? Are you a paid poster or A.I. ? The movie was absolutely rubbish. Complete, amateurish rubbish. Bad on all fronts, bad in all areas. It lags all over the place, and a giant chunk is missing about half way through. I have a feeling they screwed up that part of the shooting and just said, "Screw it, just cut it out and people will think we're being artistic." Pirates are seen coming close to the ship, a hand grenade is found onboard, then you see an explosion. Next thing you know, some of the characters wake up on an island. Gee, it's so avant garde. BALONEY. Even the ending leaves you hanging. There is no story. No story. Just a collection of ancedotes put together that if we don't understand, we're just not smart enough to get it. What nonsense. This movie is garbage and the director should crawl into a hole and stay there as a form of punishment for wasting hundreds of thousands of hours in the evolution of humanity. Putz.

[@tccandler]

Genius direction. One of the best scenes of the year, in the best film of the year. Charlbi and Harris are both electric.

[@apthetique]

Just watched this tonight without much pretext, but I remember hearing that it crushed it at Cannes. I thought it was the best movie I’ve seen all year. The film is masterful with so many subtle details paired with large themes about society. The ship in the storm was such a good analogy for the probable incoming climate crisis and how we’re all carrying on like everything is okay.

[@jensdanielsson8847]

there is no climate crisis.... or rather...there is no crisis.... there are such obvious solutions.... calling it a crisis is a hoax, insult and reality distortion of insane proportion. just the fact that im annoying and uncomfertable for writing this, points to the fact that nobody really cares about any climate crisis as much as they like just saying that there is one...

[@MrZZooh]

Interesting observation but in that case the Island would be Mars after Elon Musk relocates us there.

[@Worshippersofthesun]

@@MrZZooh Elon Musk isn't gonna relocate us there..

[@fabianthome7698]

@@MrZZooh Craziest and best case scenario, he somehow manages to pull a century of technology ahead of our time and relocate a few fistful of oligarchs, not us lol.

[@shitmypants5275]

@@MrZZooh lmao delusional

[@SIMKINYX]

I went to see the film today and savored every moment of it. Thank you for making films, Ruben!

[@bmbm1]

The first act of the movie is a masterpiece

[@itswrongtokillanimalsifyou2837]

Also, the second one. Oh, and the third.

[@bmbm1]

@@itswrongtokillanimalsifyou2837 For me it got progressively less enjoyable but it's still a very very good movie

[@schuylersterling]

@@itswrongtokillanimalsifyou2837 underrated comment

[@samiritbanik1504]

@@bmbm1 totally agreed

[@Liliquan]

@@bmbm1 "Totally disagree" - Karl Engels

[@randallstubblefield1633]

Too stoked to see this. Love all of Ostlund's films

[@ahmedkershah8609]

You sir are a master of film making. This is easily the best movie of the year. Thanks for the very entertaining and profound picture

[@benedictconcepcion2883]

While watching Triangle of Sadness.. I genuinely inlove w/ Charlbi Dean character.. Coz it feels like her acting is real, it feels like your not watching a movie, it feels so real like your part of the movie when she act.. Specially everytime she cries on the different scenes, it feels like I want to hug her, coz it feels so real.. Then suddenly, I found out that she dies last month.. 🥺

[@trashleigh87]

It really is the most tragic thing. I watched the film last night and I was like “I bet that girls life is pretty good right now”. And, she’s gone. She’s still on screen in all her glory and also gone. Life is brutal.

[@jo3l188]

Just watched it in theaters, it was insane!!!

[@vagelisyia]

This film is a breath and hope to real cinema. Amazing. Best of the best. Director, actors, shooting places, All are fantastic. Congrats Sir.

[@Selectraf]

Saw this last night and loooved it.

[@natashag3249]

This might be my favourite film of the year!

[@vladimirhorowitz]

Same. I saw Tar the next day and thought that would be my favorite, but ToS was way better.

[@karenteja]

just watched this movie and LOVED every second of it

[@samuela-aegisdottir]

"last three films ... I am focusing on being a man in contemporary times" (Ruben Östlund) impactful topic and an excellent execution

[@malikasingz]

This scene crushes even more because of the moments before this when they’re sitting there

[@auno_music]

i need more of this interview

[@shaniquawhitfield94]

I love this film so much and this scene is one of my faves

[@mysurrealsynapse]

Just watched it last night! It was so nuanced and brilliant

[@MAYK1NG]

Masterful. This scene was riveting - every second.

[@shabberto]

Brilliant movie. Glad to see this breakdown. I'm officially on the Ruben Ostlund train.

[@markus_knoedel]

It is so great to see into the thoughts of filmmaking.

[@jaumepayeras9867]

I'm obssessed with this scene! Congratulations Ruben

[@aminafied678]

Super interesting! Can’t wait to watch this!!!!!!

[@ellohappy]

I found one interesting point of this film (which I don’t believe was intended) was the concept that beauty is one of the few constant currencies- I’d wonder what he would think about this considering his reflections on the films he’s recently made being a trilogy exploring the role of men in society

[@vishneva2000]

That was a big point of the film. Very intentional. Östlund just didn't talk about it in this interview, but he spoke about it in the past.

[@ellohappy]

@@vishneva2000 oh wonderful, do you know any specific interviews where he reflects on this?

[@vishneva2000]

@@ellohappy There's been a lot but if I can remember one - check out the press conference at Cannes. The leads (Charlbi and Harris) talk about that theme.

[@jodaniell5437]

@@ellohappy In a recent Toronto Film Festival interview (available on YTube),he talks to this concept directly. It’s here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioeXmWRpo5l-iMU

[@MrUndersolo]

Okay, I was on the fence about watching this, but since I have seen this - and it is playing at my local rep theatre - I am definitely going to check this out!

[@unusualjedubz3977]

did u like it? bc i loved it

[@Gayanega]

I loved every moment of this film. It was an art and I've enjoyed it.

[@SchultzReport]

Incredible film! The first act, and the boat, were so awkward and well done!

O filme é fascinante. Creio que é uma interpretação do que é ser Humano no séc. XXI. Ideologias, marcas de moda, sobrevivência na vida urbana - tudo se cruza num simples jantar, logo no princípio do filme podemos antecipar que dúvidas e tormentos estão escondidos atrás duma aparência serena, correta, e no entanto, o que é o ser Humano, como o meio afeta o caráter e a personalidade...é mesmo um filme não apenas para ver, mas para PENSAR!

[@evanbarnard4018]

Ruben Ostlund is the man! Thanks for having him on!

[@mohsohsohmoh9004]

Amazing movie after a long long time. Thank you So many of the things we live thru and situations and phases. Lessons can be entertaining

[@jessicat2304]

This movie was a masterpiece. RIP Charlbi

[@itsjoyz]

I love this movie and I am in the habit of googling every single actor, actress director so I can later on watch their other films. I was really sad that Charlbi has passed. This movie is great, in many levels and I have scene so many shorts here and there, but I was shocked that no one dared gave a spoiler, the whole movie is amazing!

[@AshkenaziChristian]

I can't think of a more appropriate name for a movie in this last era than "Triangle of Sadness."

[@giulioangelino]

This movie was such a hit, kudos Mr. Östlund

[@LupaPeloMundo]

I just watched this movie and it's brilliant 👏🏼

[@Marialeovenus]

Interesting how her makeup is a cat eye, like they’re playing cat and mouse.

[@juicypoet]

that's so true! great observation

[@RobMikael]

Absolutely perfect movie

[@KRY5ALIS]

A soul searching masterpiece. RIP Charlbi Dean

[@samuelblachon95130]

This man is a genius

[@geoafe66]

RIP Charlbi Dean

[@TwistVisuals]

Loved the yacht segment in this film! Hilarious scenes when the carnage went down.

[@diogor420]

Rest in peace, Charlbi Dean

[@AlexNoiret]

This movie is brilliant!!!!!!

[@jromb0Productions]

I loved this movie sm!

[@justinraj6942]

My favourite director

[@sianspherica]

Charlbi was so beautiful and charming and a wonderful actress. So sad her young life was cut short =(

[@evelinabredikyte7163]

beautiful

[@dobleaccount3419]

This film is hillarious. Favorite cast is Abegail😄

[@jordanmichael2655]

I love movies so much, but I guess this one just went over my head.

[@davidlebow6455]

love this movie, underrated

[@ccan_max5285]

great movie

[@onelife959]

Thank you so much ❤️

[@itswrongtokillanimalsifyou2837]

Ruben really out here talking merrily like he didn't just create a masterpiece for the ages.

[@LMOSIS]

I watched the movie today and really sad to know Charlbi Dean is no more.

[@ccan_max5285]

FInally out Friday

[@jakeholman7279]

legend

[@mainmanmainlining7575]

This is the best scene in the movie! The rest is great to but the points are made rather quickly for such a long movie. This part is so sharp and real! I was howling with laughter.

[@gulliverthegullible6667]

I find it astounding that people praise this scene. I found it hard to endure. I saw nothing but two very unlikeable people bickering. I just wanted them to go away and never to return. Please let me know what was meant to be funny in this scene. I couldnt find anything.

[@gulliverthegullible6667]

@Kay Kronicals I got that, and I have my own thoughts about it. One may agree or disagree with that idea. My problem is that the scene took far too long and was infuriating in its annoyance. It was unbearable. Maybe because it is realistic.

[@isabelaportugal6821]

What an amazing movie

[@NobuhikuObayashi]

Best film of the year

[@doogsiabrey]

Amazing amazing movie. Ruben 👍

[@wut1053]

Jurgen klopp doing side quests directing films now

[@ambersofia9681]

Amazing movie

[@inte_johan_gunterberg_695]

What a GENIUS

[@silvacleo329]

The blond guy is a gold digger, himself... He likes influential and successful women, that he can be dependent on, no matter what their age.

[@Dutchman4real]

This video ended almost as abruptly as the movie did

[@KarlSnarks]

Haha yeah the ending was abrupt af, but I kinda liked the unconventional ending.

[@djdexradio]

Think why was that the last scene you saw? This film was a masterpiece

[@Dutchman4real]

@@djdexradio it's good. Wouldn't call it a masterpiece though... His other film Force Majeure deserves that title definitely more

[@djdexradio]

@@Dutchman4real very true

[@Dutchman4real]

@@djdexradio loved that date/fight in the restaurant scene in the beginning though

[@jens2049]

Incredible movie. One of my favourite theater experiences

[@davidmckesey7119]

This movie is incredible. You cut this tension with a knife

[@mathildeottele1320]

"You'd rather stop overthinking" - Enter here.

[@AmedeeBoulette]

The most interesting director/writer of his generation.

[@sitcomsTV]

The first thing it ring weird with me was her moving harm. The lady that had a stroke, wile sitting on the table with the brit couple, was obviously moving the harm close to the camera: the left. After the ship wreck she moves the right harm. I am surprised no one pick this up. After realizing how attention to detail it is given I wonder if it was a last decision which harm she would be able to move and if in the editing they used the better shot but with the wrong mooving harm.

[@mcmcmcm6520]

Harm or arm?

[@angelotrinidad6888]

Saw it 2 days ago in a local theater, been on an hour & a half trip just to see it & I loved it, the nearest near me been playing Wakanda Forever for like a month. 🤢

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

I could have watched 2 hours of just the two of them arguing. It was like a darker Curb Your Enthusiasm! 🤣

[@ninakrstic2995]

Larry David vibes all the way😂

[@MeLikeBees]

best scene in the movie

[@itsyunggrave]

Has anyone watched Ruben's other flicks? Guys a visionary.

[@nalimlattarai2873]

Ye

[@FUNPOV]

“Grab the bill by the horns “ nice one

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

Ruben, your wife was brilliant to suggest Charlbi ⭐️ 👼🏼

[@gulliverthegullible6667]

Why?!? I just suffered watching this.

[@DaireMagic]

The Jürgen Klopp of filmmaking. 😄

[@autumncortez6254]

This scene stresses me out.

[@gulliverthegullible6667]

Me, too. I almost walked out.

[@cagekind]

R.I.P

[@AlexeiGodek]

favourite movie of 2022

[@cort-egsk8975]

This film surely is one of the greatest movies of our time.

[@lynnelin3283]

Having a dinner with bf after watching this movie in cinema. He offered to pay the bills

[@mikhaelaa]

According to the director, your bf doesn't care about you.

[@khaniaaaa]

Charlbi Dean should've been presented in the memoir at the end of the film. Didn't make since that a main character wasn't. RIP

[@Dawood.k]

In my country, this movie is not available in cinemas, how could i watch this movie???

[@setjb1]

Jurgen Klopp??

[@newfolder999]

I still don't get the end.

[@14sakuya26]

Does anyone know what shirt Yaya is wearing in this scene?

[@samira871]

Brazil