Ranking my chosen category (Billy Wilder). This is hard because there are no bad choices here as all of the selections are outstanding. I did rank them before anybody chose anything but even then its very close and flipping a few around wouldn't be hard to justify in the least. I love most of Wilders stuff and especially all of the top stuff that was picked here. In a way I wish I would have picked something other than Wilder that I personally have more divisive feelings about. But here goes:
1.
Double Indemnity - Dominic
This is maybe the best film noir ever. The performances (McMurray, Stanwick and Robinson) are all perfect. The story and dialog are spot on. This was the clear number one for me. The order of the rest is more in question.
2.
Stalag 17 - Shuffle
Another superior story with an absolutely incredible performance by William Holden. An excellent character study of the greedy loner who turns out to be the ultimate team player.
3.
Some Like it Hot -Zeno
One of the greatest comedies of all time. Jack Lemon and Tony Curtis on the run from the mob (George Raft) join an all girl band in drag and hilarity ensues. Marilyn Monroe is the bands singer. Some may think this should be ranked higher and some maybe lower but hey "nobody's perfect!"
4.
The Apartment - Phat Mack
Wilder took home 3 Oscars in 1960 for this one with Best Picture, Best Director and Best Screenplay. Once again we see both Jack Lemmon and Fred McMurray and this time along with Shirley MacLaine. Just a very entertaining story with lots of comedy along with serious subject matter. Well done and a movie that makes you feel good after having watched it. It could be ranked higher but there is some very stiff competition here but that's just the way it crumbles cookiewise.
5.
Sunset Boulevard - Nicholasp27
An absolute classic! William Holden a Wilder mainstay is once again spectacular as is Gloria Swanson as the iconic Norma Desmond. This could be plenty of peoples #1 but it is a little darker than some of the other stuff so a lot of the time it depends on your mood.
6.
Ace in the Hole - xander biscuits
Another outstanding movie starring Kirk Douglas who is exceptional with co star Jan Sterling. He is a disgraced newspaper man trying to get back to a big time newspaper when he stumbles upon a new story which he manipulates into a really big deal. This was made back in the early 50's though so its nice to know that the press would never try to twist a story to sensationalism in these modern times
But this is a gripping story and extremely entertaining.
7.
Sabrina - Riverboatking
Sorry RBK but someone had to come in last
Hard to figure when you have Humphrey Bogart, William Holden and Audrey Hepburn going for you. This a great movie and story with strong performances but the competition is stiff with Wilders body of work. I have only seen the remake once but what I remember it was fine but didn't really need to be remade.
So there it is. I love all of these movies and Wilder is probably my favorite filmmaker from top to bottom. He is very diverse with noirs and heavier subjects to some of the funniest comedies ever, he was a true master of movie entertainment for me anyway.