Michael Caine's One Movie He Would Watch Forever

The Surprising Choice of a Hollywood Legend

With a career spanning over six decades and more than 130 films to his name, Michael Caine has become one of the most recognizable and respected actors in Hollywood history. From his iconic roles in classics like The Italian Job and Alfie to his recent appearances in Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy, Caine has proven his versatility time and again. Yet, when asked about revisiting his extensive filmography, the two-time Oscar winner has a surprising answer.

The Film That Captivated Him

In a recent interview, Caine revealed that there's only one movie from his entire career that he would willingly watch again and again: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. This 1988 comedy, directed by Frank Oz, paired Caine with Steve Martin in a tale of two competing con artists living on the French Riviera.

"I never look at anything," Caine admitted. "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."

Why This Comedy Stands Out

What makes this particular film so special to Caine? For starters, it's the funniest movie he's ever been a part of, according to the actor himself. The chemistry between Caine and Martin is undeniable, with Caine playing the sophisticated con artist Lawrence Jamieson opposite Martin's bumbling Freddy Benson.

Unlike many of his colleagues who avoid watching their past work, Caine has no such aversion to Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. In fact, he finds himself completely drawn into the film whenever he happens to catch it playing. "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," Caine shared.

A Career of Contrasts

It's fascinating to consider that this comedy holds such a special place in Caine's heart when you consider the breadth of his career. The actor has starred in critically acclaimed dramas, action-packed thrillers, and even a fair share of what he himself might call "shitty flicks." Among the films he's acknowledged as less than stellar are Ashanti, The Swarm, and Beyond the Poseidon Adventure.

Ironically, the most famous film he's never actually seen is Jaws: The Revenge. Despite never watching the film, Caine doesn't regret taking the role, as it bought his mother a nice house. In fact, he missed collecting his first Academy Award in person because he was busy filming that movie.

The Legacy of a Living Legend

Michael Caine's career is a testament to longevity and adaptability in an industry that often discards older actors. Yet, his choice of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels as his one repeat-watching film reveals something personal about his experience making it.

"Is it the best movie he's ever made? Nope. Was it the most successful? Also no," the article notes. "Clearly, though, the experience and his fondness for the end result have given it a unique distinction among the star's pantheon."

If Michael Caine were locked in a room for the rest of his days and asked to name which of his films he wanted to spend his time with, there would be only one choice. In a career filled with iconic performances and memorable moments, it's this lighthearted comedy that captures his heart and holds his attention.

As fans of this living legend, we can only imagine what other stories and insights Caine might share about his incredible journey through cinema. For now, we'll have to content ourselves with watching him in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, knowing that even the man himself can't resist its charm.