Watch The Waiter

The Waiter is a 2006 Dutch black comedy film directed by Alex van Warmerdam. It tells the story of Edgar, played by Alex van Warmerdam himself, a middle-aged man who works as a waiter at a high-end restaurant in Amsterdam. Edgar is a peculiar character, who exhibits obsessive-compulsive tendencies and is extremely particular about how things should be done in the restaurant. He takes great pride in his work and is highly respected by his colleagues.

Despite his impeccable service, Edgar is not happy with his life. He lives alone in a small apartment and has no friends or family. He spends most of his free time watching television and listening to classical music. However, his mundane existence is disrupted when a beautiful and mysterious woman, called Viola, played by Ariane Schluter, enters the restaurant.

Edgar is immediately drawn to Viola, and he begins to fantasize about her. Their encounters become increasingly bizarre, and Edgar's behavior becomes more erratic. He follows her home and even breaks into her apartment while she is out. When Viola discovers Edgar in her apartment, she is not alarmed but instead begins to play along with his strange behavior.

As the plot develops, the relationship between Edgar and Viola becomes increasingly complicated. Edgar's obsession with her reaches new heights, and he begins to see her as his savior from his boring existence. Meanwhile, Viola's intentions remain unclear, and despite Edgar's best efforts, she remains aloof.

Throughout the movie, there is a constant sense of unease, as the viewer is unsure of where the plot is headed. The humor is dark and often uncomfortable, but it is never gratuitous. Instead, it serves to highlight the absurdity of Edgar's behavior and the realities of his lonely existence.

The performances in the movie are exceptional, particularly that of Alex van Warmerdam, who gives a nuanced and subtle portrayal of a man who is slowly unraveling. Ariane Schluter is equally impressive as Viola, whose motives are never fully revealed.

The cinematography is also noteworthy, with the restaurant setting providing a backdrop for much of the action. The camera work is understated, with long takes and static shots, which adds to the sense of unease and tension.

In conclusion, The Waiter is a thought-provoking and darkly comic film that explores themes of obsession and loneliness. The movie is well-written, well-acted, and visually stunning, making it a must-see for fans of independent cinema.

The Waiter is a 2018 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.