Yes, I agree that the quality of his writing is definitely the common thread that holds the work together. Depending on his collaborators though, the films don’t always achieve that same level from a visual standpoint. Incidentally, the modern filmmaker I would most compare Wilder to is Steven Soderbergh. Supremely gifted and talented filmmakers with varied thematic interests whose access to money and desire to entertain sometimes become obstacles.

I see what you are saying, but I don’t think that makes him less of an auteur. Wilder intentionally wanted to avoid shots that bring attention to themselves as not to distract, but that isn’t to say his films don’t contain some fantastic compositions and lighting. His movies generally seem consistent with the aesthetics of Hollywood at the time, although there are hints of German expressionism in The Lost Weekend. If there is no consistency visually then I am sure it was by choice as his films cover a broad range of tones and subjects yet share an interest in the common man and human condition. The Soderbergh comparison is interesting because both directors experiment with different genres and themes and adjust their films to best convey the story to an audience. Wilder pushed the boundaries more in his writing, while Soderbergh seems to enjoy exploring different ways to manipulate camera and editing techniques to best benefit his films.

meltedspinningplastic said: This is why I see him as more of a craftsman. While his films do exhibit a certain worldview, they aren’t usually about what he has to say. Having said that my favorites have always been filmmakers with a persistent theme. Welles, Godard, Hitch, etc.
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