bujaki
Senior HTF Member
Wyler is in dire need of re-evaluation. Maybe his films have not been available in good prints for many years, or maybe not at all. But he was more than just a theatrical journeyman director. People always talk about The Best Years of Our Lives (a masterpiece); Wuthering Heights; Ben-Hur; The Big Country; and maybe Mrs. Miniver. But what about Dodsworth (another masterpiece); Jezebel; The Letter; The Little Foxes, etc. etc. Catch these films in 35mm prints, or (dare we hope?) BDs, and you might see things differently. For the record, I've seen all of Wyler's films except 4 from 1929-30, and one from 1935.
Wyler knew how to get the best from his actors, but he also knew about camera placement, framing and angles; deep focus; editing, etc. One doesn't have to be showy to demonstrate one's craft.
BTW, all the directors that have been mentioned by others in this thread are great directors as well. All of them made turkeys during their careers. That doesn't lessen their overall artistic achievements.
Wyler knew how to get the best from his actors, but he also knew about camera placement, framing and angles; deep focus; editing, etc. One doesn't have to be showy to demonstrate one's craft.
BTW, all the directors that have been mentioned by others in this thread are great directors as well. All of them made turkeys during their careers. That doesn't lessen their overall artistic achievements.