Michael Caine's One Movie He Could Watch Forever

The Legendary Actor's Unexpected Favorite

With a career spanning over 130 films, two Academy Awards, and countless iconic roles, Michael Caine stands as one of the most accomplished actors in cinematic history. From his breakthrough in "Zulu" to his recent performances in Christopher Nolan's "Dark Knight" trilogy, Caine has delivered performances that have captivated audiences for decades.

What's truly fascinating about a performer of Caine's stature is his relationship with his own filmography. Many actors, especially those with decades-long careers, admit they rarely revisit their past work. For some, it's a matter of moving forward; for others, it's simply that they can't bear to watch their own performances.

As revealed in a recent interview, Caine falls into this category. When asked if he ever peruses his previous outings for a repeat viewing, he candidly stated: "I never look at anything."

"The only thing I ever look at, and I find myself, I get sucked into it, is Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. And, you know, I'm usually going through, and if I see Dr Schaffhoussen walking in, I think, 'Wait a minute, I've got to look at this for a minute'. And then I'm stuck there."

A Comedic Masterpiece

Frank Oz's "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" (1988) stands out in Caine's illustrious career as the one film he can't help but watch repeatedly. The comedic two-hander paired Caine with Steve Martin in the tale of career con artists who attempt to outwit each other. Caine played Lawrence Jamieson, a sophisticated con man operating on the French Riviera, whose carefully orchestrated world is disrupted by Martin's rough-around-the-edges rival.

What makes this film particularly special to Caine is not just its critical success or box office performance, but the sheer joy he derived from making it. In fact, Caine has repeatedly singled out "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" as the single funniest feature he's ever been a part of.

It's worth noting that "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" isn't necessarily Caine's best-reviewed or most celebrated work. His filmography includes masterpieces like "The Italian Job," "Hannah and Her Sisters," "Sleuth," and "Alfie," all of which have earned critical acclaim and awards recognition. Yet, it's this lighthearted comedy that holds a special place in his heart.

The Actor's Perspective

Caine's admission about "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" offers a fascinating insight into how actors relate to their work. While many performers might revisit their Oscar-winning dramas or box office hits for validation or nostalgia, Caine finds himself drawn to the film purely for the joy of the performance itself.

The actor's quip about being "stuck" whenever he catches Dr. Schaffhoussen (a minor character played by Anton Rodgers) walking on screen suggests a genuine, almost involuntary connection to the material. This speaks volumes about the film's quality and the chemistry between the cast.

Interestingly, Caine has expressed disinterest in revisiting many of his other films, including some of his less successful projects like "Jaws: The Revenge" (which he famously admitted to making largely for the paycheck). This makes his affection for "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" all the more remarkable.

Enduring Appeal

The enduring appeal of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" to both audiences and Caine himself demonstrates that sometimes the films we make purely for enjoyment—without awards ambitions or box office expectations—become the ones we cherish most. The film's sharp script, brilliant comedic timing, and the perfect pairing of Caine and Martin created something special that continues to delight viewers decades later.

As Caine himself has proven, sometimes the measure of a great film isn't found in critical acclaim or awards, but in the simple, enduring pleasure it brings to both the audience and the artists who created it.