Billy Wilder, an Austrian-born American filmmaker, was one of the legends of Classic Hollywood.
With this in mind, this list looks at some of the director’s must-see movies.
“Audrey Hepburnleads this rom-com as Sabrina Fairchild, the daughter of a chauffeur for the wealthy Larrabee family.
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Cause good news is no news.
“One, Two, Threeisa whirlwind Cold War political satirefeaturingJames Cagneyas C.R.
One, Two, Threehurtles forward with unrelenting energy, delivering farcical comedy at a blistering pace.
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Cagney delivers his rapid-fire dialogue with relish, and Wilder’s direction ensures that the jokes land with precision.
Douglas is great here, holding the viewer’s attention the whole way through.
The idea of an unscrupulous observer tinkering with events for profit seems like it influenced 2014’sNightcrawlerwithJake Gyllenhaal.
“Stalag 17unfolds in a German prisoner-of-war camp during World War II.
He plays Sefton as a shrewd but ultimately redeemable antihero, a tricky balance to pull off.
“Some Like It Hotis one of Wilders most beloved films and a landmark screwball comedy.
Monroe is effortlessly iconic, blending vulnerability and comedic timing to create a character both irresistible and tragic.
They must be worth their weight in gold!”
I killed him for moneyand for a woman.
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I didnt get the money and I didnt get the woman.
Pretty, isnt it?”
These powerful visuals are built upon a strong script from Wilder and hardboiled masterRaymond Chandler.
The dialogue crackles with tension, wit, and doomed romance, continuing to resonate all these decades later.
Jack Lemmon turns in one of his very best performances here as C.C.
The Apartmentis a charming mix of comedy, romance, drama, and corporate satire.
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Lemmon is superbly cast too, balancing humor with genuine vulnerability.
This is one of the best showcases of his everyman appeal.
Not for nothing, the film won Wilder the Best Director Oscar, as well as clinching Best Picture.
It has aged well and remains enjoyable today.
She killed me.”
The movie was adapted from anAgatha Christieplay, though Wilder’s deft touch elevates it considerably.
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Seduced by the promise of financial security, Joe becomes entangled in Normas delusions.
For all these reasons,Sunset Boulevardhas earned a spot in the pantheon of all-time great cinema.
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Image via United Artists
Image courtesy via Paramount Pictures
Image via United Artists
Image Via United Artists
Image via Paramount Pictures
