The 2017 film adaptation of Herman Koch’s novel The Dinner, directed by Oren Moverman, clocks in at a runtime of 2 hours and 0 minutes (120 minutes). This tense psychological thriller meticulously unfolds over the course of a single evening, focusing on the moral complexities faced by two sets of parents confronting a horrific act committed by their sons.
Unpacking the Runtime: A Deep Dive into “The Dinner”
The runtime of a movie like The Dinner isn’t arbitrary. It’s a deliberate choice by the director and editing team, intended to build suspense, develop characters, and allow the story’s weighty themes to resonate with the audience. Moverman’s choice of 120 minutes provides ample time to explore the fraught relationships, ethical dilemmas, and uncomfortable truths that lie at the heart of the narrative.
Why 120 Minutes? The Director’s Vision
While direct statements from Oren Moverman regarding the precise reasoning behind the 120-minute runtime are scarce, analyzing the film itself provides crucial insights. The length allows for:
- Character Development: Sufficient time to showcase the nuances of each character, revealing their flaws, anxieties, and hidden motivations. The film relies heavily on dialogue and nuanced performances, which require screen time to unfold naturally.
- Building Tension: The story’s suspense is meticulously crafted. A shorter runtime would likely diminish the creeping sense of dread and unease that permeates the film. The longer duration allows for the slow burn that characterizes the narrative.
- Exploring Moral Ambiguity: The Dinner doesn’t offer easy answers. The film’s length enables a thorough exploration of the gray areas of morality, forcing viewers to grapple with complex ethical questions alongside the characters.
- Pacing and Atmosphere: The pacing is deliberately slow, contributing to the unsettling atmosphere. A shorter film might feel rushed and less impactful. The extended runtime allows the uncomfortable silences and fraught interactions to linger.
The film’s pacing mirrors the deliberate and agonizing decisions faced by the characters. Shortening the runtime would undoubtedly sacrifice this critical element.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About “The Dinner”
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the runtime and other pertinent aspects of the film “The Dinner”:
FAQ 1: Is “The Dinner” based on a book?
Yes, The Dinner is based on the internationally acclaimed novel of the same name by Dutch author Herman Koch. The film is a direct adaptation of the book, albeit with some alterations to the setting and characters.
FAQ 2: Are there different versions of “The Dinner” with varying runtimes?
No, the generally accepted and widely available theatrical version of the 2017 film The Dinner has a runtime of 120 minutes. There are no officially released extended cuts or alternative versions with significantly different runtimes.
FAQ 3: How does the movie “The Dinner” compare to the book in terms of plot and details?
While the film generally follows the plot of the book, there are notable differences. The setting is changed from Amsterdam to the United States, and certain character details and subplots are altered. Some argue that the book delves deeper into the psychological complexities of the characters, while the film relies more on visual storytelling and impactful performances.
FAQ 4: Who are the main actors in “The Dinner” and what are they known for?
The film stars Richard Gere as Stan Lohman, Laura Linney as Claire Lohman, Steve Coogan as Paul Lohman, and Rebecca Hall as Katelyn Lohman. Richard Gere is a renowned actor known for his roles in films like Pretty Woman and An Officer and a Gentleman. Laura Linney is a highly acclaimed actress with credits in The Truman Show and You Can Count on Me. Steve Coogan is a celebrated comedian and actor famous for his character Alan Partridge. Rebecca Hall is a versatile actress known for her performances in Vicky Cristina Barcelona and The Prestige.
FAQ 5: Is “The Dinner” a thriller?
Yes, The Dinner is primarily classified as a psychological thriller. It relies on building suspense, exploring the dark side of human nature, and keeping the audience on edge through the unfolding drama. The film’s atmosphere is tense and unsettling, typical of the thriller genre.
FAQ 6: What are some of the main themes explored in “The Dinner”?
The film delves into themes of parental responsibility, morality, mental illness, class differences, and the lengths to which parents will go to protect their children. It raises uncomfortable questions about the nature of justice and the complexities of family dynamics.
FAQ 7: Is “The Dinner” a remake?
Yes and no. There are multiple film adaptations of the Herman Koch novel. The 2017 version, starring Richard Gere, is a prominent adaptation, but there are also earlier versions, including a 2013 Dutch film titled “Het Diner”. So, while the 2017 film is not a remake of a specific English-language film, it is one of several adaptations of the original novel.
FAQ 8: What is the MPAA rating of “The Dinner” and why?
The Dinner is rated R by the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America). This rating is due to disturbing violent content, language, and some thematic elements. The film contains scenes of violence and mature subject matter that are not suitable for younger audiences.
FAQ 9: Where can I watch “The Dinner”?
Availability varies depending on your region and streaming services. The Dinner can often be found on streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu (with certain add-ons), and through rental or purchase options on platforms like Apple TV and Google Play Movies. It’s also worth checking your local library’s DVD collection.
FAQ 10: Does “The Dinner” have any significant awards or nominations?
While The Dinner did not garner significant awards season recognition like the Oscars, it received attention and critical discussion upon its release. The performances of the actors, particularly Steve Coogan, were often praised. However, the film’s reception was somewhat mixed, with some critics finding it overly melodramatic or less nuanced than the novel.
FAQ 11: What is the overall critical reception of “The Dinner”?
The film received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the performances and the exploration of complex themes, others criticized the pacing and found the adaptation less compelling than the source material. The film holds a score of around 44% on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a generally mixed critical reception.
FAQ 12: How does “The Dinner” compare to other movies with similar themes?
The Dinner can be compared to other films that explore parental responsibility, morality, and the consequences of violence, such as We Need to Talk About Kevin, Prisoners, and Gone Baby Gone. Like these films, The Dinner presents viewers with morally ambiguous situations and challenges them to consider the complexities of human behavior in the face of extreme circumstances. Its claustrophobic setting and reliance on dialogue are also reminiscent of films like Carnage.