Set in 1959, Diner shows how five young men resist their adulthood and seek refuge in their beloved Diner. The mundane, childish, and titillating details of their lives are shared. But the golden moments pass, and the men shoulder their responsibilities, leaving the Diner behind.
Writing
Levinson's semi-autobiographical script invented the hangout movie.
Acting
Ensemble chemistry so natural you'd swear they're actually lifelong friends.
Direction
Levinson's debut captures Baltimore with unpretentious affection.
Director
Barry Levinson
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Levinson filmed the famous 'roast beef' argument in one take because the actors were genuinely hungry and cranky.
This launched the careers of Guttenberg, Bacon, Rourke, and Stern simultaneously—Hollywood hasn't replicated this mid-budget male ensemble magic since.
US
