Gene Wilder: Five Films for Newcomers
Written by Andreas Babiolakis
Seven years ago, we lost the incomparably funny and magnetic actor Gene Wilder. On what would have been his ninety first birthday today, it feels as good a time as ever to look back on some of the best performances and films in his career. An actor of the stage and television before his first film role (as well as a song-and-dance man, which would come into play later in his film career) — a minor, yet pivotal, appearance in the New Hollywood classic Bonnie and Clyde — Wilder adapted to the big screen mainly as a comedic tour-de-force with the kind of knack that many could only dream of; character defining traits and timing came naturally to him. Known for his partnerships (which will be covered below), Wilder was a fantastic wing man that enhanced films and performances. It was rare for him to have the centre stage dedicated to him as a lead character, but he stole every scene that he was in regardless. Should you somehow not be acquainted with the films of this actor or want to find more, let this miniature tribute be your guide. Here are five films for newcomers to the works of Gene Wilder.
5. Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* (* But Were Afraid to Ask)
While he’s only in Woody Allen’s anthological comedy Everything You Wanted to Know About Sex* (*But Were Afraid to Ask) (which is quite possibly the director’s most insane film), Wilder’s short-story-within-a-feature is worthwhile just for its own lunacy; I won’t even get into the plot of his segment because I wouldn’t know where to start. If you’re feeling strapped to find a great Wilder performance and film that you haven’t already discovered, this could be worth checking out. Towards the later years in Wilder’s life, he was attached to many lackluster projects that didn’t capitalize on his capabilities. This brief stint with Allen earlier in Wilder’s career will fair much better with you despite its absurdity.
4. Silver Streak
Wilder had a long lasting partnership with comedian Richard Pryor, and, while not every film they did together was a home run, their first cinematic duet together, Silver Streak, was easily their best. Arthur Hiller’s comedy-thriller twists and turns its way around plot points and comedic timing effectively, with both of its hilarious stars chaotically leading the way. It’s as frantic as it is intriguing as both Wilder and Pryor make their characters as colourful as their humour. If you are pining to find out what Wilder and Pryor were like as co-stars, Silver Streak is the only place to start.
3. The Producers
The biggest partnership Wilder ever had was with satirical director Mel Brooks, but I didn’t want to use too many of these projects on this list and have limited the amount of their films together to two entries here (I’ll go on record and say that Blazing Saddles is my favourite Brooks film, and, while it isn’t on this list, Wilder is fantastic in this film as well). The Producers was a major turning point for both Brooks (who got to add another letter to his eventual EGOT status, here) and Wilder who garnered his sole Academy Award nomination as an actor (he’d get another for screenwriting; more on that later). As antsy accountant Leo Bloom, Wilder showcased an endless bag of comedic tricks, expressions, cadences, and inflections that was only the beginning.
2. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
I think I would be crucified if I didn’t include this performance here, especially since Wilder pretty much saves Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. If it wasn’t for Wilder’s ability to balance mystery, charm, danger, egotism, chaos, and sweetness in this titular performance (which takes Roald Dahl’s creation to a whole new echelon), I don’t know if this adaptation would work as well as it does; who could sing “Pure Imagination” one minute and deliver that haunting tunnel monologue as seamlessly as Wilder does? The film called for an enigmatic, transformative, curious being, and Wilder cemented his legacy as Willy Wonka in the process. Many would say this is the place to start if you want to see WIlder at his best, and while this is a darn good choice, I will have to defer to…
1. Young Frankenstein
While Wilder in his prime was always excellent, he’s bloody brilliant in Brooks’ Young Frankenstein (if The Producers was both the actor and the director finding their footing, Young Frankenstein was Brooks allowing WIlder to reach his full potential). Wilder as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein — grandson of Victor, the man responsible for bringing his monster to life — is one of the greatest comedic performances of all time. He’s funny, which is a must for such a role (obviously), but he also possesses a real sense of pain, anxiety, pride, and exuberance. This could have just been a parody film, but Wilder turns Young Frankenstein into a conquest that matters to his character so much. Wilder also contributed to the screenplay alongside Brooks, and they both got nominated for an Oscar for their work; Wilder’s hands-on approach in this film only proves how in control of his craft he was here. If you want to see Wilder being both a master of his acting and completely unhinged at the same time (a peculiar contrast that makes sense once you watch the film), then Young Frankenstein must be the place you start when exploring the late actor’s career.
Andreas Babiolakis has a Masters degree in Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management from Ryerson University, as well as a Bachelors degree in Cinema Studies from York University. His favourite times of year are the Criterion Collection flash sales and the annual Toronto International Film Festival.