Billy Wilder - Director

Here are a few posters from Billy Wilder's great films.

Double Indemnity

Sunset Blvd.

Sabrina

Some Like It Hot

Ace in the Hole

The Apartment

Witness for the Prosecution

One Two Three

Billy on One Two Three Poster

Take Home Final Exam

Good, solid answers with some detail and analysis where appropriate.  One half page each would be a minimum.  Please turn them in to me in HARD COPY during the last class session.

1.     The classic Hollywood Studio System started in the 19 teens and spanned about 50 years.  Name the Major and Minor Studios.  For extra credit, what type of films were some of them known for. 
 
2.     What were the advantages of the Studio System?  Were there any disadvantages?
 
3.     Name and discuss three of the reasons for the decline and eventual end of the original Studio System.
 
4.     Explain the rise of the Star System and why you think it continues to be an important part of the American Film Industry.
 
5.     The French critic Andre Bazin developed the AuteurTheory in the 1950s.  What is it and which filmmakers (name 3) might fit its definition from the first five decades of American Film?
 
6.     A large part of the decision to make a film is based on its genre.  Every genre has its own conventions and characteristics.  What are some of these in relation to the Horror Film?  Name some landmark films from this genre.  
 
7.     What were some of the consequences in the conversion from the Silent to the Sound Film?

"Ace in the Hole"

The movie is very interesting and I was surprised to learn from the instructor that the movie was not considered a good movie during that time. The director Billy Wilder did a good job bringing the best of Kirk Douglas. I felt so bad for Al Fedeber (Frank Cady) and his wife because among all involve, they are the one that truly lost a lot. They lost their son, probably their business. The reporter Chuck Tatum (Kirk Douglas) got what he deserved even less than he deserved, I was hoping one way or the other Leo Minosa (Richard Benedict) would be rescued and in the process the mine would collapsed on Chuck. Unfortunately for Leo, the wife he was suffering so much to impressed obviously didn't give a hoot about him and left after all (what a looser). The film was very interesting and I truly enjoyed it.