If you don't like Jimmy Stewart you're wrong.
Directed by Billy Wilder
In 1927, Charles Lindbergh struggles to finance and design an airplane that will make his New York to Paris flight the first solo transatlantic crossing.
The Spirit of St. Louis is showing in 1 cinema in London - next screening Monday 2 November at 18:00 at BFI Southbank.
Next screenings: Monday 2 November.
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If you don't like Jimmy Stewart you're wrong.
Action! - Three Auteurs: The Witty and Eclectic Mr. WilderWilder has, up to this point, given us a series of pictures that, in various ways, reflect contemporary reality and act as a mirror for it, but here he moves into the realm of the biopic. In this case, it's based on the life of an aviation pioneer for whom we have much to be grateful for, as his achievements contributed to the advancement of commercial aviation and the opening of new frontiers.The decision to put Stewart front and center ensures that Lindberg will be a protagonist we can root for almost immediately. There are many ways in which his performance in this part evokes comparisons to more contemporary, and arguably just as beloved, actors like Tom Hanks. While Tom is too old to play the part today, I could see him playing this role in the early days. Now, Stewart isn't exactly at his best and looks to be running on autopilot at times, and a big reason for that is that the script doesn't provide him much to use his strengths as an actor. Not that Bill and Wendell's script is without merit; I'm sure I've heard many of the lines before, but that doesn't mean they aren't memorable. The good news is that the actual events don't lend themselves to many of the biopic tropes, making for a more "unique" and less cliched film.All in all, while not precisely an exciting film nor the best in Wilder's filmography, if you are interested in learning more about history, especially aviation, this would be a pretty enjoyable and informative time.TODAY SCHEDULEThe Sound of 007The Sound of 007: Live From The Royal Albert HallThe Spirit of St. LouisLove In The Afternoon
100-word review: The story of the first (solo) transatlantic flight between two major city hubs (from New York to Paris), based on the autobiography of the guy who achieved the feat: Charles Lindbergh. As an extraordinary character (interactions) author, a solo adventure by a man in a confined space over the vast ocean isn't necessarily what I'd typically look at Billy Wilder for, but watching The Spirit of St. Louis the hours in fact flew by (pun intended), also because Wilder interjects the dramatic journey with plenty of comedy segments detailing various milestones from Charles' life (the suspenders salesman being my favourite).Charles Lindbergh: "I can make it alright."Harold Bixby: "What makes you so sure you can make it?"Charles Lindbergh: "Well Mr. Bixby. When I was a kid, and the smallest in my class, I made up my mind that I was gonna be six feet three inches tall. And I made it, with a half an inch to spare."
The film chronicles aviator Charles Lindbergh's grueling preparation and historic 1927 solo flight from New York to Paris.
Billy Wilder directed the 1957 biographical drama, known for his diverse mastery across Hollywood's golden age.
