This week we are talking about the life and work of our favorite director, Billy Wilder. Listen to our stories and insights on the podcast episode above. In the meantime, here are some fun facts and some of the movies we discuss! And scroll to the bottom for the pix promised!
Sunset Blvd. Wilder nailed the dreams and the cruelty of the movie business from the POV of the writer, the has-been star, and the wide-eyed newcomer. There are themes (like agism) that were rarely explored before in film. And oh the characters!
Double Indemnity is one of the best Film Noir movies ever and one of the best, if not THE best femme fatale played by Barbara Stanwyck. Walter Neff is probably Fred MacMurray's best role. And let's not forget the great Edward G. Robinson
The Lost Weekend held the top spot drunk movie, probably 'til Leaving Las Vegas. (unless you count The Days of Wine and Roses)
The Apartment - Maybe the best "Rom-Com" ever. Or maybe what they'd call, today, a "dramedy." Starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, and Fred MacMurray, The Apartment is funny for sure but goes to some dark places. It's also a great pick for Mad Men fans and anybody loves Fred MacMurray when he is a cad!
Stalag 17  Wilder found humor in what was for him the darkest and most life-changing chapter of his life. Guess that's why Hogan's Heroes stole the idea! But it is a ruthless story too. Nazi's get no mercy.
Witness For The Prosecution is a "who-done-it," a court drama, and a departure even for Wilder. Starring a director in his own right Charles Laughton, his real-life wife Elsa Lanchester,  Tyrone Power, and Marlene Dietrich.
The Seven Year Itch  Wilder was great at creating iconic scenes and this movie features one of the most famous. It's one of Marilyn Monroe's best comedic roles, but Tom Ewellis the real star, reprising his role from the Broadway play.
Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine again for Irma La Douce.
Some Like It Hot. Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, and Joe E. Brown are at the top of their comedic game, with Marilyn Monroe?