Every so often a reminder of the past catches the public's eye and sends everyone toward nostalgia at once. This is when a popular movie is remade, or when a new smart phone game sends everyone back into the beloved television series of their childhood. The saddest instance of being sent back collectively however, is through the death of beloved celebrity.
The death of Gene Wilder has sent people to remember his collection of movies, and how brilliant of a collection it was. We all know his iconic scenes in “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” “Young Frankenstein,” and “Blazing Saddles.” These films are certainly worth revisiting, and will be. It is also worth focusing on some of his lesser known works, the best of which are highlighted here:
1. The Producers (1967)
This is the most known out of the lesser known, and may be Gene Wilder's greatest film. It's pure hysterical Gene, and a time to see him in his trademark style comedy without the pizzazz of a purple coat, or mad scientist hair. This was Wilders' first film with Mel Brookes, and it began a beautiful tradition.
2. Stir Crazy (1980)
Although it has a bit of slow start, this movie is surprisingly hilarious. It’s a different style of comedy than what Wilder is initially recognized for, but it’s funny in its own right. Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor as wacky friends who falsely get sent to prison and are a combination of not fit for prison and definitely fit for prison is just a recipe for success.
3. Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
While Gene Wilder doesn't have the biggest role as a mortician, every second he's seen is lovely. While not exactly a "Gene Wilder film," it's essentially a classic, and worth adding to your list of films to see.
4. See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989)
If you had to compare the films, this one doesn't hold the previous success of the other Pryor and Wilder pairings. Viewed as it's own film, however, it is still creative and passionate enough to honor Wilder's carrer.
5. The Frisco Kid (1979)
This film is overlooked but is important in that Wilder plays a Polish Rabbi, and his most Jewish character. He is the wise fool, an iconic piece of Jewish lore, and thus represents a message of hope and optimism.
These films are brimming with nostalgia, even for those who didn’t actually live in those times. It leads one to wonder if people were born into their decade for a reason. If Wilder had been in his prime today, would he even be an actor? What would his style have been under current trends? Or if he had never met Mel Brooks? Thankfully, we are in the version of the universe that contains these wonderful films. Rest in peace, Gene Wilder.
