Mark Rietman Movies
- 2006
A put-upon, middle-aged waiter whose life seems to be dictated by the writings of his best friend begs the author of his colorless autobiography for a new hue in a film writer, star, and director Alex van Warmerdam's absurdist take on fate, creativity, and power. A virtual human punching bag for his demanding wife, formidable mistress, and boisterous neighbors, Edgar (van Warmerdam) waits tables at a decrepit dive restaurant known as The West. But work offers no escape from the draining demands of his everyday life, because Edgar's customers are just as unrepentantly abusive as his friends and family. Herman (Mark Reitman) is the author in charge of telling the tale of Edgar's miserable existence, but as persistently as the hapless waiter implores the relentless writer for a merciful break in the madness of his life, Herman's sadistic wife Suzie (Thekla Reuten) always seems to steer Edgar's life in the most disagreeable direction possible. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Alex Van Warmerdam, Jaap Spijkers, (more)
- 1994
In this Dutch drama a couple in their thirties struggles as they are torn between their deep love for each other and the tremendous conflicts between them. It is set in an area of Amsterdam, down by the docks, filled with counter-cultural people. Lou, a bit of a hippy, is a singer and political activist. Her lover Bob, is a conservative lawyer who works in a firm that does not endorse activities such as Lou's. They constantly, quietly disagree. He wants children; she doesn't. He wants her to fix up her houseboat; she likes it rundown and funky. When a project to fix up the docks begins, the tensions between the couple increase dramatically. Bob throws himself into his work while Lou becomes increasingly insecure as her neighborhood is slowly destroyed. Also adding stress to her life is the recent drowning of a refugee friend who died escaping the police, and the impending death of her HIV positive-singing partner. Her surprise pregnancy only exacerbates their problems. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Marieke Heebink, Mark Rietman, (more)
- 1992
It seems that misdeeds by inhabitants of the Dutch provinces make for believable stories, whether they are mysteries by Willem van de Wettering, or psychological thrillers by Simon Vestdijk, who wrote the book this film is based on. In the story, set in the 1950s, Hendrik Grond (Gijs Scholten van Aschat) has a good law practice, and a happy marriage which has produced a son. He is so contented that his world is completely shattered when, undetected, he catches his wife in bed with his law firm's senior partner. In fact, he has become quietly unhinged, and he arranges a series of "accidents" to ensure his revenge - becoming involved in the local underworld in the process. Will he succeed in committing a series of "perfect" crimes, or will the police inspector (Johan Simons) investigating these incidents get wise? ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gijs Scholten van Ashat, Renée Soutendijk, (more)
