"Table One" is about an
oddball group of acquaintances who decide to get together and open
their own lounge restaurant. Each character has their own desire to
have a place where they can feel like they are fitting into the social
realm. Initially, the movie has the tone of a comedy in these
characters and their restaurant, but as the story proceeds it begins
to focus on one of the proprietors, Norman Bater (played by David
Herman) and his self-absorbed perception of his importance to people
around him. Conflicts result between Bater and the rest of the group
and eventually, the movie pans out to be an intriguing character
driven film.
It contains a small group of stereotypical characters, all played to
low-key perfection by the actors - even the sometimes obnoxious
Stephen Baldwin. There is the suspected Mafia partner (Frankie Chips -
played by Burt Young), an over-the-hill hockey player (Rowdy - played
by the always convincing Michael Rooker), two stock brokers who have
no suave around women, the wannabe actor bartender, the effeminate
male host, and the the rich kid thanks to Daddy's money (the
aforementioned Bater).
As mentioned, the movie explores these characters, maybe some more
than others, but it is interesting to watch them. Bater is so pathetic
he is painful to watch, but you can't help it. Rowdy is probably the
most entertaining of the group leaving the viewer wanting to see more
of his character.
The movie does have an underlying theme - one of social acceptance.
The title, "Table One" I think is a metaphor for one's
social ranking. The members of the group all want their own lounge to
hang out at so they have a sense of importance in the social world. By
owning their own place, they were finally allowed to designate table
one as their own, giving them the sought after social status.
Eventually, the lounge isn't a success. They fight amongst themselves,
so as a solution, they end up changing the format of the lounge to
something more fun and profitable.
Maybe the point of the film is not to worry about where you fit into
the 'social ranking', but instead, do what you think you're going to
benefit from and have fun with it at the same time. "Table
One" may be sending subliminal messages to have people avoid
conforming to the social expectations that up-scale clique-ish people
feel is important to instill on everyone in our society. Or the movie
could be just a piece of entertainment.
"Table One" isn't a bad movie at all, and if you want
something that isn't hyped with propaganda, try this one out.
