All-time great directors: Billy Wilder

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1
Stalag 17 (1953,  Unrated)
Stalag 17 5.0 Stars
Perfect use of black comedy counterpointing the grim subject matter, as cynical operator William Holden is forced to choose sides in the best prisoner of war film ever made.
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2
Ace in the Hole (The Big Carnival) (1951,  Unrated)
Ace in the Hole (The Big Carnival) 5.0 Stars
Classic tale of cynicism and manipulation featuring reporter Kirk Douglas deliberately hampering the rescue of a trapped mine worker for his own ends. A superb performance and a very clever and insightful script.
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3
Double Indemnity (1944,  Unrated)
Double Indemnity 4.0 Stars
All the ingredients of classic noir, including the femme fatale, doomed anti-hero, twisting turning plot and cynical, snappy hard-boiled dialogue.
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4
Some Like It Hot (1959,  Unrated)
Some Like It Hot 4.0 Stars
A comedy masterclass from brilliantly matched double act Lemmon and Curtis in witty transvesticism orientated slapstick fun.
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5
Sunset Boulevard (Sunset Blvd.) (1950,  Unrated)
Sunset Boulevard (Sunset Blvd.) 3.5 Stars
Another cynical classic from Wilder, complete with iconic leads and timeless dialogue. A witty and clever satire on the Hollywood establishment.
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6
The Apartment (1960,  Unrated)
The Apartment 3.5 Stars
Typically cynical and witty black comedy from Billy Wilder and Jack Lemmon, and a great social satire.
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7
Sabrina (1954,  Unrated)
Sabrina 3.0 Stars
Sweetly rmantic comedy featuring Audrey Hepburn at her most appealing, and wonderful support from William Holden and Humphrey Bogart in one of his more sensitive roles. Another charming film from Billy Wilder at his least cynical.
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8
The Fortune Cookie (1966,  Unrated)
The Fortune Cookie 3.0 Stars
Another likeable Matthau/Lemmon vehicle, but it lacks the resonance of Wilders best efforts.
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9
The Front Page (1974,  PG)
The Front Page 3.0 Stars
Disappointing remake of His Girl Friday kept watchable by the comic talents of one of the best double acts in the business.
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10
The Seven Year Itch (1955,  Unrated)
The Seven Year Itch 2.5 Stars
A mildly amusing old fashioned sex comedy that's far fluffier than much of Wilder's other work. Monroe is memorable though, and it features one of her most famous images.
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