Favorite Billy Wilder movie? And why?

Question

To refresh yourself on what he wrote/directed:
http://imdb.com/name/nm0000697/

Answer 1

I'm sure a lot of people will answer, "Some Like it Hot." I love this film too. The cast is unbelievable; and the American Film Institute ranked it as the Best Comedy Film of the 20th century. I'm not sure about that -- but I do love it.

However, my absolute favorite Billy Wilder is the Wilder of "film Noir." I think he did it with greater style than anyone. And his last great "Noir" film was also his best -- "Sunset Boulevard."

Talk about a great cast -- wow! It was moody, evocative of a bygone day of charm and style, when actors and actresses were supposed to be awed. The clash between the old and modern was beautifully rendered. Also, this film just happens to feature my all time favorite movie line.

William Holden's character says to 20s screen legend, Norma Desmond -- "Hey, you used to be big."

And Desmond replies with the immortal line...

"I AM big -- it's the pictures that got small."

What a line. What a film.

Cheers.

Answer 2

This is a list of the best movies directed by BIlly Wilder
Sunset Blvd – 1950
Double Indemnity – 1944
Some Like It Hot – 1959
The Apartment – 1960
The Lost Weekend – 1945
Witness for the Prosecution -1957
Ace in the Hole – 1951
Sabrina – 1954
Stalag 17 -1953
One, Two, Three -1961

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Answer 3

I think I love classic movies the most, all the remakes being made nowadays are never as good as the originals, I mean, really, the original Mr and Mrs smith was filmed in a log cabin! (lol) Anyway, in answer to your question, so many good ones I like such as Sabrina, Irma La Douce and Some Like It Hot (hilarious!), but my all time favorite of his is Sunset Boulevard! Because to this day it is one of the most original movies I have ever seen, amazing cast with Holden, Swanson and Stroheim (who was also in the silent films). I really like the scene where all the silent film stars (Keaton Hedda Hopper) are all sitting around playing cards, that is just classic. And when it shows Cecil B Demille (spelling?) The best part of the movie is 'Alright Mr demille I'm ready for my closeup, loving it!

Answer 4

Some like it hot. I think it was one of his best and he had the best cast imaginable. Who could go wrong with Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. Such a fun movie.