“The Lost Weekend” (1945) must have been striking upon its release for its matter-of-fact portrayal of alcoholism. The Forties were the decade of film noir,
Billy Wilder was influenced by Ernst Lubitsch more than any other director, so “Ninotchka” (1939) is among the most important films to watch wherein Wilder
“The Major and the Minor” (1942) is, upon reflection, a major movie because it marks Billy Wilder’s American directorial debut. But it’s a minor entry
“Ball of Fire” (1941) combines the “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” fairy tale with noir with slapstick, and it’s worthy of a smile for
“Sunset Boulevard” (1950) is an immersive, delightful dive that makes us understand the price of celebrity culture while also glorying in Hollywood history. Gloria Swanson