Politics has always been behind the movies directed by Oren Moverman. The Messenger dealt with the military system, Rampart the corruption in law enforcement, and Time Out of Mind with the homelessness epidemic. But with The Dinner he takes politics to a more personal level, as two couples, including a pair of contentious siblings, verbally spar over the fate of their children who have committed an act of violence.
It's another provocative piece by Moverman, who has also written beautiful screenplays for I'm Not There and the Brian Wilson biopic, Love & Mercy. He seems to take a rougher edge when behind the camera, perhaps inspired by the renewed vigor of his oft-leading man, Richard Gere. In my interview with him, Moverman talks about why he and Gere have such a strong working relationship. He also talks about taking over The Dinner from Cate Blanchett, who had eyed it as her directorial debut. Plus, Moverman talks about making a movie like this in the Trump era, and why so many of its themes resonate so strongly now.
You can listen to my interview with Moverman below, and check out my review of The Dinner here.
