Billy Wilder 1961-1981 (The Old Man is Still Alive, Part 9)
Mar 11, 2025
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Billy Wilder's cinematic evolution during the 1960s and 70s showcases his daring shift from accoladed films to more controversial themes. The podcast highlights his bold collaborations with I.A. Diamond and stories like 'One, Two, Three' that critique capitalism. It dives into 'Avanti,' exploring romance and social expectations, as well as the late work 'Fedora,' which reflects Wilder's feelings of obsolescence in a changing Hollywood. These topics reveal Wilder's fearless engagement with the cultural landscape of his time.
Billy Wilder's career evolution highlights his shift away from Oscar-friendly content to films tackling evolving societal themes and cultural disreputability.
Avanti juxtaposes American and European values, exploring complex themes of infidelity and self-discovery through comedic elements and character development.
Fedora reflects on aging in Hollywood, critiquing the industry's treatment of older actors while examining deeper questions of identity and legacy.
Deep dives
Student Visionaries for Blood Cancer Awareness
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Innovative Oral Care with Boca
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Billy Wilder: A Cinematic Legend
Billy Wilder, a significant figure in Hollywood, is highlighted for his unique contribution to cinema through a series of acclaimed films. His Oscar-winning film, The Apartment, marked a peak in his career, demonstrating his ability to blend comedy with poignant social commentary. However, Wilder's transitions in style and partnerships throughout his career reflect the evolving landscape of Hollywood, marked by both creative successes and failures. The exploration of his work uncovers the complexities of an artist adapting to shifting cultural attitudes over decades.
Avanti: A Challenge to Social Norms
The film Avanti presents a narrative focused on a wealthy man's journey to Italy, revealing themes of infidelity and self-discovery. It juxtaposes traditional American values against the allure of European philosophies, ultimately questioning societal norms related to love and status. The casting and characterization aim to challenge beauty standards of the era, while the comedic elements serve to navigate serious issues around body image and romance. Despite initial rejection, Avanti's deeper themes have led to a retrospective appreciation for its insights into human relationships.
Fedora: Nostalgia and Reflection
Fedora illustrates the struggles of aging in a changing Hollywood, as seen through the lens of its central character, a once-celebrated actress now confronting her fading relevance. This film combines elements of nostalgia with a harsh critique of the industry’s treatment of aging actors, raising questions about identity and legacy. The plot unveils layers of personal and professional challenges, highlighting the psychological impact of Hollywood's obsession with youth. Ultimately, Fedora serves as a reflection on Wilder's own career while exploring broader themes of mortality and societal expectations.
Hollywood’s 1960s began with Billy Wilder winning three Oscars for The Apartment. But Wilder’s biggest success would also prove to be his last film to be afforded such respectability, as Wilder largely abandoned the type of material that the Academy embraced, and veered gleefully into disreputability. Of the 9 films Wilder made in the 20 years after The Apartment, in this episode we’ll pay special attention to three that were engaged with the rapidly changing culture – in Hollywood and beyond: One, Two, Three (1961); Avanti (1972); and Fedora (1978).
