Ep 3. Billy Wilder: the Human Comedy

Billy Wilder: the Human Comedy is the third episode of the twelfth season of the American Masters series, which explores the lives and legacies of some of the most influential figures in American art and culture. In this episode, viewers delve into the life of Billy Wilder, one of the most celebrated filmmakers of the 20th century.

Born in Austria-Hungary in 1906, Wilder began his career as a journalist before immigrating to the United States in the mid-1930s. He quickly made a name for himself as a screenwriter, working on films like Ninotchka and Hold Back the Dawn before making his directorial debut with The Major and the Minor in 1942.

Over the course of his career, which spanned more than five decades, Wilder directed and/or co-wrote more than 50 films, including some of the most iconic movies ever made, such as Sunset Boulevard, Some Like It Hot, and Double Indemnity. His films were known for their sharp wit, biting social commentary, and dark humor, and he was considered a master of both comedy and drama.

In Billy Wilder: the Human Comedy, viewers are given a glimpse into the life of this remarkable filmmaker, from his upbringing in Vienna to his rise to fame in Hollywood. Through interviews with actors, friends, and colleagues, as well as archival footage and clips from his films, we learn about the man behind the movies and how his life experiences shaped his unique perspective on the world.

The episode explores Wilder's personal relationships, including his marriages and affairs, and his struggles with alcoholism and depression. Despite these challenges, however, Wilder remained a visionary filmmaker until his death in 2002 at the age of 95.

From his early days in Hollywood to his later years as a living legend, Billy Wilder: the Human Comedy offers an intimate look at one of the most important filmmakers of all time. With its engaging storytelling, insightful interviews, and stunning footage, this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in cinema history and the human stories behind it.