Pinter's work is heavily influenced by Samuel Beckett, who used silence-filled pauses for a revolutionary theatrical effect. Pinter has spoken of speech as a stratagem designed to cover the nakedness of silence, and these aims are often evident in the dialogue of Gus and Ben. Ben's most prominent response to Gus's constant questions about the nature of their jobs is silence. Lurking underneath this silence is always the threat of violence, the anticipation of something deathly.

Before the night is over, someone will die. In the basement kitchen of a deserted rooming house, two eccentric hitmen wait impatiently for instructions of the next job. But their predicament takes a bizarre turn as unsettling messages are sent from the presumable abandoned floors above. Someone will die, but who? - from cover

Director: Robert Altman
Writers: Harold Pinter (plays), Harold Pinter (screenplay)

Cast overview:
John Travolta ... Ben (segment "The Dumb Waiter")
Tom Conti ... Gus (segment "The Dumb Waiter")
Linda Hunt ... Rose (segment "The Room")
Annie Lennox ... Mrs. Sands (segment "The Room")
Julian Sands ... Mr. Sands (segment "The Room")
David Hemblen ... Mr. Hudd (segment "The Room")
Abbott Anderson ... (segment "The Room")
Donald Pleasence ... Mr. Kidd (segment "The Room")


Country:Canada
Language:English
Release Date:12 May 1987 (USA)
Filming Locations:Montréal, Québec, Canada
Runtime: 60 min
Color