The Dinner (2017)

About The Dinner

The Dinner is a drama thriller movie released in 2017, based on the Dutch novel of the same name by Herman Koch. The plot revolves around an extended dinner between two couples at a fancy restaurant, where they discuss their sons' involvement in a horrific crime that has gained public attention. As the night progresses, the discussion takes a dark turn, revealing the cracks in their relationships and their divergent parental attitudes.

Making / Production

The film is directed by Oren Moverman, who also adapted the screenplay. The Dinner was filmed in New York, with beautiful shots of the fanciest restaurant in the city, constructing a stark contrast with the dark theme of the film.

Actors

• Richard Gere portrays the character of Stan Lohman, a charming and smooth talking congressman. His performance captures the political adeptness and conflicted morality of his role.
• Laura Linney plays the role of Katelyn Lohman, Stan’s wife, presenting a desperation and fierce parental instinct required in the character.
• Steve Coogan plays the role of Paul Lohman, Stan's complicated brother who offers a remarkable depiction of a man battling mental issues and insecurity.
• Rebecca Hall portrays Claire Lohman, Paul's wife, with a strong performance showing Claire’s outwardly calm demeanor crumble as the dinner progresses.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Dinner is the third film adaptation of Herman Koch’s novel. Prior versions were made in Dutch and Italian.
• This was the second movie in which Richard Gere and Laura Linney worked together, the first one being Primal Fear (1996).

Quotes

• "There's only so much we can do to carve them into something we consider respectable." - Richard Gere as Stan Lohman.
• "Every family is insane, it's the family that never admits it that has the biggest problems." - Steve Coogan as Paul Lohman.

Music, Soundtrack

• The eerie, haunting tunes and soundtracks of The Dinner were composed by acclaimed composer Elijah Brueggemann.
• The soundtrack beautifully complements the intense, dark themes throughout the film.