Why the Best Years Of Our Lives is Brilliant

A descriptive video essay about William Wyler's 1946 black and white film "The Best Years Of Our Lives" and the importance of story and characters in a movie.
Written by Jeremiah Dyte
All material in this video is within parameters of Section 107 Copyright Act of the United States of America.

[@poetcomic1]

The ending scene with Fred and Peggy looking at each other with such longing. Dana Andrews tough guy 'film noir' face with such hurt and longing in his eyes... unforgettable.

[@Paladin1873]

The aircraft boneyard scene is incredibly powerful. You realize how quickly heroic symbols are turned into scrap, whether it's B-17s or combat veterans.

[@tiffsaver]

I really enjoyed your review, and the creative way you presented it. I am 74-years old now, and with each viewing of the film-which are by now uncountable-this magnificent work of art only gets better with time, like fine wine, or viewing a Rembrandt. When I realized that the director Willie Wyler lost his his hearing filming this same war, my appreciation of his work only inspires me more. Today, actors are written as only two-dimensional stick figures, like the pretty idiots in the "super hero" garbage that fills today's high tech cinema to the toilet brim with explosions and CGI, but totally devoid of any heart. But when I watch "Best Years," it heals a place in my heart now left in an empty void by today's "creations by committee" and endless, pointless sequels. It revives my soul. One of the most powerful quality of this film is it's wondrous MUSIC, provided by Hugo Friedhofer, which most people don't realize compromises nearly 40% of a film's dramatic impact. My favorite scene of the film, cinematically, was when Dana Andrews walks through the bomber graveyard, without any dialogue, as the drama reaches a fever pitch, using only camera movement and music to tell the entire story. It was an unforgettable moment, and indicative of the wonderful production values Wyler never failed to use. But the epicenter of any great movie is, indeed, the script and the acting, both of which this masterpiece has in profusion, and contribute equally to the undying power of this film. In fact, it had such emotional impact on my life, that only yesterday I searched the entire internet just to see if the apartment that Frederick March and Myrna Loy lived in still existed... and it actually does! It is now a 4-bedroom condo in West Los Angeles, and just sold for 1.8 million dollars, in this case, worth every penny. From the inspired writing, to the memorable acting, to the sensitive and brilliant direction, for me, this is the best MOVIE of our lives.

[@gerrybennett7705]

Great analyses on your part. I think you’ve said it all. Thanks

[@carolbeckerdite8521]

When I watch it, I feel at home with the Characters and feel I know them and Understand them. The music is heart Wrenching and fits the movie perfectly. What a gift this movie is to the world . And I am thankful for it.

[@dippin1523]

It's an amazing movie for sure. one of the best ever.

[@leifjohnson617]

My favorite film of all time. Great writing, great acting, great musical score. EVERY aspect of this movie is top-notch. If you have not seen this film you really owe it to yourself to watch it. You will not regret it.

[@romanclay1913]

Billy Wilder hailed TBYOOL as “the best-directed film I’ve ever seen in my life.”

[@mandolindleyroadshow706]

An excellent review of one of my very favorite films. Why this is director William Wyler's very best film is because he, himself, was a WWII veteran who lived through the war so he was in a way telling his own story, including the unfortunate fact that he lost his hearing in a bombing raid. While he was in the hospital he assumed that his film career over, but obviously he overcame that obstacle (he had to use special earphones to hear what was being said on the set). The scene of Al running down the hall to meet his wife Millie was a reenactment of Wyler's return home. He greeted his wife the same way running to each other in a hotel hallway.

[@romanclay1913]

William Wyler had personal resonance with each of the three returning WWII veterans. Like Homer, he suffered a war-related disability. As a film director, he could relate to Al, the financially successful banker, who returns home with a new perspective on those less affluent. And like Fred, he experienced PTSD.

[@johnlorenzen4633]

Excellent analysis of effective film making. This movie is the best.i disagree your saying Wilma kissing homer is cheesy. Its so moving. Growth and change abdolutely. Yes we journey with them.

[@garysouza95]

Could not agree more. That moment is absolutely earned.

[@RaptorFromWeegee]

So true, that scene always makes me lose it

[@santiagogonzalezlopez3196]

Great video man, I think this is a forgotten film for most of people but still a classic. Greetings from Mexico City.

[@randyacuna3248]

Everything is right in this timeless classic. Released the same year was RKOs till the end of time , an overlooked film with the same theme about buddies returning home and adjusting to common life focusing on one particular. Guy Madison stars , with Robert mitchum and Dorothy Maguire. Very well done.

[@christianstudios5359]

Amazing video! I miss you guys, hope you’ll upload soon.

[@michaelchristian5089]

The music is incredible! And Virginia Mayo was gorgeous.

[@cjpreach]

Well done. Excellent review.

[@macc.1132]

This was flat out complimentary to this wonderful movie - and I agree! This movie is A+. Ranks up there with The Heiress.

[@francisalanwormald6328]

BORN IN 1937 I CAME ON THIS A TAD LATER...I REVISIT OFTEN... & AM MOVED EACH TIME...GREAT ACTORS OF THE TIME.....

[@ricksamericana749]

"The Best Years..." stands on its own as a cinematic classic. If for Gregg Toland's amazing cinematography alone However, when viewed with the background knowledge of Willie Wyler's war experiences, it gains greater poignancy and richer meaning. I highly recommend watching Steven Spielberg's "Five Came Back" for, better insights into not just Wyler's perspective, but that of many returning vets, as well.

[@saudade2100]

I can’t believe I had not even heard of this movie until I was 40 years old. I was blown away.

[@kh884488]

Thanks for your insightful review. I think some of the biggest strengths of the film are the fact that the three veterans are so normal and believable. They are just three guys trying to get back to lives that they had before the war. This makes them a lot easier for the audience to identify with the characters. Another very subtle part of the film that I enjoy tremendously are the small awkward silences and sideways glances. For example, when Homer talks about playing football at Jackson high, two other characters briefly glance at each other knowingly. They both know that Homer was an accomplished athlete and now know, that he will never have that capacity again. They begin to understand what this disability means for him. It's an excellent example of show, don't tell.

[@craigroberts6439]

Really a very nice job on this...great clips, really well written and delivered narration and great analysis. You should have a lot more subs than you do.

[@johnr7279]

This is definitely an A-plus movie.

[@louisaparker]

There's one more topic you should have mentioned - how timely this movie was when it came out.

[@robertknuist9754]

Brilliant

[@williamsnyder5616]

You did such a good job until you got to the cinematography segment Yes, Wyler played a part in settng up the shotd, as all directors do, but the camerman himself ddn't have a part. Gregg Toland's work was typical of what he always as a film DP. The deep focus photography was brilliant, particularly in the scene in Butch's where we think we are looking at Homer and Butch playing :Chopsticks" for Al where the background shot is Fred calling Peggy to break the relationship. And, while we're at at it, no mention of Hugo Friedhofer's Oscar-winning score? It was a homage to Aaron Copland in its style at just about the time Copland wrote his "Fanfare for the Common Man," which Al, Fred and Homer were.

[@robertbundy3769]

It had superb music as well!

[@fredansell9276]

Wyler had no input on the music and reportedly HATED it.

[@koolbeans3572]

4:41 I thought the same thing until I remembered the son character barely did anything

[@garysouza95]

The actor playing him had his contract with the producing studio run out during production and he had to leave for his new contact with another.

[@thunderkidkai8251]

Why "The Best Years of Our Lives" is my favorite movie.....but Mom and Pop were of the WWII generation and Dad was in the Navy....oh well, I learned what "In the Mood" was........

[@1001johny]

going for a more sophisticated style review for the classics? didn't see that coming. Nice analysis by the way.

[@insidemymindinc]

@1001johny Yes, we're trying our best to improve in making videos; and thanks for the comment, really appreciate it!

[@tomspettel3646]

Hahahaha like a big red bow on top. I can identify with that

[@iododendron3416]

Each major character is pivotal to the story. That's why Rob vanishes after two scenes :D.

[@tikiproductions9875]

Water isn’t wet

[@irish89055]

High school analyst eh?...

[@arctos49]

Be sure to credit the brilliant cinematography to a master -- Greg Toland, who also worked on Citizen Kane