IN A LONELY PLACE (1950) This is one of many postwar films where Hollywood takes an introspective, and in the case of the film noirs like this, a darker view of itself. Not unlike private dicks such as Sam Spade, here it’s a Hollywood screenwriter who is showcased as the loner, cynical figure. Going deeper, darker, and more complex than Joe Gillis in Billy Wilder’s … Continue reading Nicholas Ray’s In A Lonely Place
SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959): Film Study *(the following is based on a prior article on this film but with substantial research and content added for the purpose of a Billy Wilder Film Study course taught by Kellee Pratt in the Fall of 2019.) “I think that Billy as at the height of his powers. I think it’s the best thing he’s ever done, comedy … Continue reading Billy Wilder Film Study: SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959)
Film Study: ACE IN THE HOLE (1951) (The following are my notes from my Billy Wilder Film Study class, from the Fall of 2019. It goes deep into details and background. I don’t recommend reading any further if you haven’t already screened this film prior- expect spoilers. Enjoy!) Welcome to the dark, morally corrupt media circus. Billy Wilder’s film noir under a blazing … Continue reading ACE IN THE HOLE (1951)
Motherhood is historically a symbol of nurturing love and sacrifice. If a mother is married, and her partner/spouse dies, as a widow her role as mother marches on. But does that mark an end to her shot at happiness beyond parenting? Doesn’t mom deserve romance… again? As we approach the month of mothers’ special day (May 10th), I want to explore the notion that romantic … Continue reading Do Moms Deserve a 2nd Chance For Love?
*The following are my film study notes, from the Billy Wilder Film Study course I taught in the Fall of 2019. THE APARTMENT (1960), a Film Study By Kellee Pratt Becoming a mensch. That’s the real theme here in Billy Wilder’s THE APARTMENT (1960). In our last session, we screened and discussed SOME LIKE IT HOT (1958). As we’ve mentioned before, Billy followed a pattern … Continue reading Becoming a Mensch: THE APARTMENT (1960)
Starting in early September, I started teaching this semester’s selection in my ongoing classic film series- BILLY WILDER, a Film Study. I will share with you my film notes. The below are my brief notes from our first class. As with my past courses (Film Noir, Screwball Comedy, Alfred Hitchcock, Ray Harryhausen), the first meeting is an overview of Wilder’s background, key elements of style, … Continue reading The Billy Wilder Film Study
Outspoken & Freckled 