Dinner With Friends (HBO)

About Dinner With Friends (HBO)

Dinner With Friends is an HBO film released in 2001. It is based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name by Donald Margulies. The movie follows the story of two couples who have been best friends for years. When one of them decides to divorce, it impacts not only their lives but also the lives of their mutual friends who are forced to question the strength of their own marriage.

Making / Production

The film, produced by HBO, was directed by Norman Jewison. The screenplay was adapted from the original play script by Donald Margulies himself. Filmed in the idyllic suburbs, the film recreates the quiet yet complex world of relationships with relatable characters and a powerful storyline.

Actors

• Dennis Quaid as Gabe - He plays the role of a loving yet complex husband who starts to question his own marriage after his friends' divorce. His performance brings out the character's insecurities and philosophical outlook with subtlety.
• Andie MacDowell as Karen - MacDowell shines as the empathetic yet judgy friend who has to deal with her own marital issues amidst her friends' fallout.
• Greg Kinnear as Tom - Kinnear successfully portrays the character of Tom, a man who tries to find love outside his marriage, sparking a series of emotional changes among his friends.
• Toni Collette as Beth - Collette plays Beth, a woman who decides to separate from her husband, causing a ripple effect within her circle of friends.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name by Donald Margulies.
• The writer of the original play, Donald Margulies, himself adapted the play for the screen.
• Director Norman Jewison is also known for directing classics like "Moonstruck" and "Fiddler On The Roof".

Quotes

• Gabe: "Do you know what scares me? The possibility of living a long life."
• Beth: "They don’t tell you about this part, Gabe. When you are young and full of hope."
• Tom: "If you can't feel happy without one person, you're not in the right place."

Music, Soundtrack

• The soundtrack of the film comprises various soul-stirring tracks such as "Blue Nights", "Love's Old Sweet Song", "The Marriage Of Figaro", among others.