This past Sunday we lost one of comedy’s undisputed geniuses. Gene Wilder died at the age of 83 from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease, though he will still live on in the form of his work. Many of his greatest films are very easily accessible, so do yourself a favor, and remember the man who gave us so much joy and laughter by looking back at some of his films. If you’re already a fan, this will be a wonderful reminder of how brilliant he was. If you’re not familiar, then we are envious that you will get to experience these for the first time.
YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (1974)
Young Frankenstein easily one of the funniest movies ever made. Written by Wilder and directed by Mel Brooks, it still stands as one of the most quotable films of all time. It’s available to rent on Netflix’s DVD delivery service and various on-demand carriers, including Xfinity and Verizon.
BLAZING SADDLES (1974)
Wilder re-teamed with Brooks on this Western send-up (written by Wilder and Richard Pryor), with hysterical results. It rivals Young Frankenstein in the annals of comedy. It’s available to rent on Netflix’s DVD delivery service, iTunes, YouTube,Vudu, Google Play, Amazon, and Cinemax’s MAX GO.
WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (1971)
Easily Wilder’s most iconic role, it still stands as a family classic after forty five years. It’s available to rent on Netflix’s DVD delivery service, iTunes, YouTube, Vudu,Google Play, and Amazon.
SILVER STREAK (1978)
Silver Streak was Wilder’s first major collaboration with Richard Pryor, and it highlighted the duo’s brilliant on screen comedic chemistry. It’s available to rent on Netflix’s DVD delivery service, YouTube, Vudu,Google Play, and Amazon.
THE PRODUCERS (1968)
Wilder received an Oscar nomination for his role in The Producers, and in his directorial debut, Brooks won the Oscar for Best Screenplay. It’s available to rent on Netflix’s DVD delivery service, iTunes, YouTube,Vudu, Google Play, and Amazon.
STIR CRAZY (1980)
Easily the best collaboration between Wilder and Pryor, Stir Crazy was directed by none other than Sidney Poitier, and ranks as one of the best “buddy” comedies ever made. It’s available to rent on Netflix’s DVD delivery service, YouTube, Vudu,Google Play, and Amazon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K_f7BSTOQY
BONUS
In addition to being a brilliant comedic actor and screenplay writer, Gene Wilder was also an accomplished author. He wrote a few fictional novels, but his best work is his memoir, Kiss Me Like a Stranger. They are all available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
