JefCostello

Would "The Odd Couple" be the best Wilder film that Wilder never directed?

How long did it take you guys to make those lists? I want to make one, but am afraid it'll take all day. Did you just base it on films you really love or just any film that you like?

I know, I just thought it was funny and sad at the same time. Oh and Gene Tierney can't be matched by any woman in terms of looks, including Geena Davis. The only ones I'd put in her class would be Liz Taylor and Hedy Lamarr.

See, this is what I mean about Gene Tierney being overlooked and underrated I start a thread about her and what happens? We start talking about Canadians. Figures.

No you didn't derail it. The topic just took its natural course like every other topic. Talking about the AFI and Sight and Sound and best films year by year was all a natural progression.

Doesn't Gene play another Russian in that film she made with Gable?

I would have given her that Oscar over Joan Crawford. Now that should generate some debate and attention around here.

That's what I love and hate about Leave Her to Heaven. She dominates the movie, but she never got any parts nearly that juicy and that film shows that she could handle the material perfectly. I totally would have loved to see her play the beautiful, dangerous woman in other films.

Well, they did call her "The Get Girl" because she got all the parts she wanted. Maybe she had bad taste or was just stuck in a studio run by a man that didn't give his stars any leeway or freedom of choice. See Tyrone Power. You're right in saying that she usually got delegated to some sidekick roles for other actors. Just watch Night and the City and Where the Sidewalks Ends, which are two really good movies, which frustrate the hell out of me in the way she was misused.

Thanks for verifying it. Can't wait to see her get her day in August.

As I just said, Brando, Newman and Clift weren't that far removed from their 20's when Audrey was a big star.

Yeah, for some reason she never made films with men like Brando, Dean, Newman or Clift. Those guys went to Liz Taylor or Natalie Wood, while Audrey and Grace Kelly were usually paired with men twice their age. I wonder why that was? And she's definitely not overrated. She not only had her own unique screen image, but was a good actress as well. If she's not all that, then no one else is either. She might be the most original movie star of all time in the sense that no one else is quite like her. Ironically my least favorite film of hers may be another Wilder film, Love in in the Afternoon. An overlong movie where Gary Cooper is miscast and Audrey has a terrible haircut.

I remember hearing Robert Osborne saying something along the lines of Gene Tierney being his favorite actress or something like that. Has anyone else heard him say that, because I'm not sure whether I misunderstood him or misheard him speak on that matter? I think it was when they showed Dragonwyck several months ago. In any case, I think she's severely underrated and somewhat forgotten compared to some of the other classic beauties, so it'd be great to know whether Osborne feels the same way or not. I'm just glad they're starting to show more of her films lately on TCM (or so it seems). Can't wait to hear what Alec and Robert say about her when they show Leaver Her to Heaven.

That was actually the first time I ever saw Audrey Hepburn, and to this day I'm still in love with her everytime I see that film. Simply adorable. No offense to Bogart, Wilder or Holden, who are amongst my favorite actors/director ever, but I tend to forget they were even involved in the film when I watch Audrey in that movie. That's a perfect example of a film being not one of Wilder's best, but still being one of my favorites of his.

If I had to choose a film list over any others, I'd choose the Sight and Sound poll (voted on every 10 years by directors and critics only). However, even that list can be flawed in ways. The best thing about these lists is to go out and watch the films on them, since they do tend to generate interest. At least they did with me, which is one of the reasons I decided to watch classic and foreign movies. So yes, I can speak first hand about the AFI drawing someone towards classic films. Same thing with these others polls.

Will Ferrell Some people just shouldn't be allowed to make movies

So am I the only person who enjoys Sabrina as one of my favorite Wilder films?

Most of the films on my list were ignored by the AFI, because that's only for American films.

Thanks for answering the question for me. Breakfast at Tiffany's is one of my 5 favorite movies or so. Is it one of the 5 best films ever made in terms of technical achievement in cinema? No. Two totally different lists for me. I do think, however, that many critics when asked to compile the greatest films ever lists (like say the Sight and Sound Poll), often base their opinions on favorites and not necessarily objectively calling something the best film. I've seen many critics' lists, and could deduce as much from their list.

Are we talking about highly regarded films, or just any films? For instance, I hate all these mindless blockbusters nowadays that everyone raves about, despite the film's stupidity. Those films would all top my list.

O.K., well then nevermind. I thought you were asking me what I think the 5 "best" Wilder films are, not what our favorites are. Based on that, my new and revised list is: 1. Some Like it Hot 2. Sabrina 3. Sunset Boulevard 4. Ace in the Hole 5. Double Indemnity

Delon is my favorite actor behind Bogart, and I've never seen this film. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to watch it today and know that TCM doesn't play it often (from my memory).

1. Some Like it Hot 2. Sunset Boulevard 3. Double Indemnity 4. Ace in the Hole 5. Lost Weekend How could you not list Some Like it Hot? And Double Indemnity deserves more than just honorable mention. Along with The Maltese Falcon, there's probably never been a better noir made.

If I'm not mistaken, that was around the same time Bogart made some negative statements toward the House Un-American Activities Committee, and protested their blacklisting of the Hollywood Ten. Also, around that time he gave maybe his best performance ever in the Treasure of the Sierra Madre. Yet he was not even nominated. The other nominees that year were: Laurence Olivier - Hamlet Monty Clift - The Search Clifton Webb - Sitting Pretty Lew Ayres - Johnny Belinda Dan Dailey - When My Baby Smiles at Me How the hell could Bogie not crack that list, especially since he was arguably the biggest star in Hollywood at the time? It was certainly the most daring performance he'd given up until that time. I think it's fair to say the HUAC might have had an influence on that and wanted to punish this megastar for making those comments. So is this a fair theory or just me reaching too far?

If that's how narrow minded people are on the issue, then I can't argue with them, because I also think 1939 is the best Hollywood year ever. However, that doesn't necessarily mean it's the best ever year for cinema. I think it's more than fair to challenge it on that point.