Filming History: Billy Wilder and the Cold War

Abstract

This article reflects upon the vision of history contained in the work of cinematographer Billy Wilder. From this angle his entire filmography will be reviewed, focussing specifically on the interpretation of the Cold War in One, Two, Three, (1961). Using Berlin as a backdrop, Wilder ridicules the confrontation between East and West offering a sharp, intelligent perspective on the international relations of the era. Panned by audiences at the time –the premiere coinciding with the raising of the Berlin Wall– its devastating vision of communism proved prophetic in light of the events of 1989.