The Fortune Cookie

The Fortune Cookie is a fascinating cinematic experience from the director Billy Wilder, the dynamic duo of Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon are the key characters. This 1966 black and white film imbues classic American humor with a keen satirical critique about personal greed, opportunism, and the monetary obsession that drives modern society.

The film revolves around the life of Harry Hinkle (Jack Lemmon), a moderately successful TV cameraman, who is accidentally knocked unconscious at a football game while in the line of duty. This incident attracts the attention of his shrewd brother-in-law, Willie Gingrich (Walter Matthau), who happens to be a particularly slimy, yet charming insurance lawyer. Sensing an opportunity to make some big money, Willie convinces Harry to fake serious injuries to claim an enormous, disproportionate compensation from the insurance company and the football team.

Given the charismatic presence of his brother-in-law, Harry hesitantly agrees to the scheme despite his moral reservations. Willie, the unstoppable legal shark, throws himself into the case with a ruthless tenacity that is both humorous but also unsettling. His audacious ambition drives the narrative and the film’s social commentary.

Besides the customary comedic brilliance that Lemmon and Matthau bring to the screen, The Fortune Cookie delves deeper into exploring the themes of deception and human relationships. Once Harry agrees to be part of Willie's scam, he is entangled in a chain of hilarious but deceitful incidents. This ignites the element of suspense and curiosity in the storyline, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

One of the greatest strengths of this movie is the chemistry between Lemmon and Matthau. Their comedic timing is impeccable, making their characters' interactions particularly entertaining. Matthau, in his Oscar-winning role, excels as the unscrupulous lawyer who is willing to manipulate any situation to his advantage, a classic role associated with him throughout his career. On the other hand, Lemmon masterfully portrays the loveable and hapless victim in a scam that keeps spiraling out of control, despite his constant guilt and moral qualms.

The supporting cast also deserves a mention. Ron Rich plays Boom Boom, the guilt-ridden football player who knocked over Harry during the game. His character adds an interesting dimension to the plot, as well as a touch of pathos to the overall comic narrative. The dynamics between Harry, Willie, and Boom Boom create a compelling conflict that not only manages to entertain but also highlight the ethical dilemmas faced by the characters.

Billy Wilder brilliantly uses the blend of comedy and drama to address the moral and societal implications of the American dream – the relentless pursuit of wealth. He brings forth the irony of insurance fraud and the lengths people can go to deceive others for monetary gain. Wilder's depiction of the courtroom drama, the interaction between media and law, and the extent of human greed, remains relevant even today and enhances the movie's timeless appeal.

The cinematography of The Fortune Cookie paves the way for an engaging film experience. Wilder's direction and Joseph LaShelle's photography transform the mundane Cleveland locale into a lively dramatic canvas. The snippets of American life - crowded football stadium, cozy apartment spaces, and bustling law firms - encapsulate a quintessential middle-class cultural landscape.

Moreover, the light and dark shades of black and white cinematography add starkly contrasting layers to the narrative. The screenplay and dialogues are infused with wit, sarcasm, and a generous dollop of irony that enrich the comedic theme of the movie.

As the title suggests, 'The Fortune Cookie' refers metaphorically to the quick schemes to get rich that turn out to be not just a source of wealth, but a Pandora’s box of troubles. With its unique storytelling style, this film successfully marries humor with social commentary. Billy Wilder's direction, Matthau's audacious performance, Lemmon's reluctant participation, and the stupendous screenplay make The Fortune Cookie a true classic that is a must-watch for any movie enthusiast interested in the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema.