Elegance in comedy, talent for balance in the search for collective laughter and the ability to surround oneself with performers in a state of grace These are just three of the main virtues that the missing Blake Edwards had. Director who owns a good handful of classics, mostly placed in the comedy genre, who has gained a cult following and added followers to his cause generation after generation.
The essential films of the great Blake Edwards
1 ‘Breakfast with diamonds’
Not even the essential Truman Capote could avoid seeing how his magnificent work ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ ended, thanks to the most traditional and classic Hollywood machinery, in a romantic comedy of a lifetime masterfully directed and tons of craftsmanship by Blake Edwards. Or, at least, in one of the clearest examples that the genre can look anyone else in the face without being destroyed by prejudice and sugar.
Nonetheless, what in the original novel was a constant game with the reader to gradually discover the personality of its protagonists, has been transformed by the art and grace of cinema into a fascinating love story with a wonderful Audrey Hepburn in the head. , in a role that has forever marked his career. An absolutely delightful performance of one of those unique actresses, an unbeatable star from whom it is impossible to look away when she is on the screen, illuminating every shot, enhancing every scene, eclipsing everything.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s at eCartelera
Two ‘Days of wine and roses’
In addition to having one of the most beautiful titles in the history of cinema, ‘Days of Wine and Roses’ is, without a doubt, the best film of Blake Edwards’ career. Packed with unforgettable scenes, a near-perfect soundtrack by the great Henry Mancini and two performances beyond all praise, what Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick do here is insane. this drama remains etched in your memory and never leaves you. An absolute masterpiece from the first scene to the last. The undisputed top of Blake Edwards.
Days of wine and roses in eCartelera
3 ‘The Pink Panther’
After having signed two extraordinary works such as “Blackmail against a woman” and “Days of wine and roses”, Blake Edwards has made the first episode of one of the funniest sagas in the history of cinema. And is that, by its unforgettable credits, “The Pink Panther” was presented as an unbeatable succession of perfect gags led by a Pietro Sellers absolutely plethoric in his interpretation of Jacques Clouseau, a fundamental character in the history of comedy. An instant classic.
The pink panther on eCartelera
4 ‘Race of the century’
A wonderful madness, so we could define ‘The Race of the Century’, one of the most rounded works in the long professional career of a Blake Edwards who is shown here in a state of almost constant inspiration. 150 minutes of crazy and balanced cinema, frenetic and exhilarating, radiant and feverish. Luxurious cast, exemplary staging and a final climax to remember. She has it all, wow.
5 ‘The party’
No one could have imagined that in the early 1960s, and after films such as ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ or the tremendous ‘Days of Wine and Rose’, that director Blake Edwards would be tasked with reaching two peaks of the roundest comedy and rounded .hilarious with ‘The Pink Panther’ and ‘El guateque’. Proposals that, moreover, had a common bond as strong as the absolute protagonism of that absolute giant of laughter called Peter Sellers.
An actor who, focusing on the jewel in question, has given himself a recital full of memorable moments, a first-rate comic tour de force that has entered the history of the genre for its merits. No matter how many times you’ve seen it, you’ll always end up crying. Laughing, of course.
The guateque in eCartelera
6 “Vittore or Vittoria?”
If only for the performances and the fantastic chemistry established between Julie Andrews and Robert Preston, impressive from start to finish, ‘Víctor or Victoria?’ It deserves a prominent position on this list. However, not only is this magical duo not the only extraordinary element to highlight within it a proposal as fun as it is elegant: its musical numbers, the direction of Blake Edwards or its wonderful ending are there any other points that convert to “Victor or Victoria?” in one of the great comedies of the 1980s.
Victor or Victoria? in eCartelera
7 “The new case of Inspector Clouseau”
A year after the premiere of the wonderful ‘The Pink Panther’, Blake Edwards and Peter Sellers are back again with ‘The New Case of Inspector Clouseau’, sequel that more than met the expectations placed on it, while maintaining the remarkable bar left by its illustrious predecessor. With a fantastic prologue that shone particularly brightly as the staging of Edwards ‘talent show, the film is packed with high-end comic moments, each driven by the immeasurable talent of Sellers’ genius. An exemplary sequel.
8 “Operation Pacific”
Despite having already signed interesting proposals such as’ Vacation Without a Girlfriend ‘or, above all,’ The Dreaded Mister Cory ‘, Blake Edwards’ first great film was found in 1959 under the title’ Operation Pacific ‘. Led by the indestructible charisma of Cary Grant and Tony Curtis, splendid throughout the film, this extraordinary war comedy has the spark, energy and freshness that would mark the director’s best workbecoming a great gateway to his cinematic universe.
9 “Two men against the West”
Hidden gem in Blake Edwards’ filmography, ‘Two Men Against the West’ is one of those fairly unknown westerns that, nevertheless, continue to stand out for its strong personality, charisma and bursts of genius. Led by the inspired trio of William Holden, Ryan O’Neal and Karl Malden, this story of adorable underdogs also boasts some of the most inspired directing of Edwards’ career, showing a surprising safety and knowledge when managing the beautiful grounds of this film genre. In short, a great film that must be discovered as soon as possible.
10 “Blackmail against a woman”
1962 was a golden year for Blake Edwards with the release of two of his landmark films: ‘Days of Wine and Roses’ and this impressive ‘Blackmail against a woman’. Film noir in all its glory commanded by Glenn Ford and Lee Remick, as well as a secondary gold set including an immense Ross Martin, and elevated by a true steel script. Special mention for the immaculate staging of an Edwards outfit in creating memorable scenes. A great movie.
Although his memory is always linked to that of the ten films that make up this special, it should be noted that we are facing a director with a practically infallible career. Sure, his later works have not lived up to his legend, but the number of artistic victories far outweighs his failures. And the scales don’t lie.
Edwards’ cinema flows with an overwhelming naturalness, does not age despite the decades and continues to be a real enjoyment, especially for those who see cinema as the best possible method of escape. With some of these ten films you will suffer, we can’t even deny the evidence, but in almost all cases you will have a blast. Without a doubt Blake Edwards is one of the greatest.
Source: E Cartelera
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
