A decent documentary on Billy Wilder, one of the greatest movie directors and screenwriters in history. He made such classics as The Apartment, Sunset Boulevard, Stalag 17, Double Indemnity, Some Like It Hot, Witness for the Prosecution, The Seven Year Itch, Ace in the Hole and The Lost Weekend and won six Oscars. Gives a reasonably detailed description of his cinematic career.
However, it could have been better. The main "expert" is really just a cheerleader and sensation-seeker, simply spewing empty platitudes and trying to create controversy where there is none (e.g. The Major and the Minor). The archival interviews are okay, but once again don't really give us much depth. I guess they had to make do with what they have.
Ultimately this documentary gives you a feel for Wilder's career and genius but only really scratches the surface. A man of his stature deserves far better.
However, it could have been better. The main "expert" is really just a cheerleader and sensation-seeker, simply spewing empty platitudes and trying to create controversy where there is none (e.g. The Major and the Minor). The archival interviews are okay, but once again don't really give us much depth. I guess they had to make do with what they have.
Ultimately this documentary gives you a feel for Wilder's career and genius but only really scratches the surface. A man of his stature deserves far better.
