Michael Caine has had a remarkable career spanning over 130 films, yet he admits that he rarely revisits his own work. Many actors who have starred in significantly fewer movies have expressed similar sentiments, choosing not to look back at their previous performances. Caine is notably no exception, having famously never watched his own film, Jaws: The Revenge. However, he does acknowledge that the film’s success allowed him to purchase a house for his mother, which he considers a worthwhile trade-off for missing the chance to collect his first Academy Award in person.
Despite not gravitating towards many of his past projects—some of which, like Ashanti and The Swarm, have received negative critiques—Caine does find joy in revisiting one standout film from his illustrious filmography. In a candid revelation, he disclosed that the only movie he enjoys watching repeatedly is Frank Oz’s comedy, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. The film features Caine alongside Steve Martin, portraying rival con artists in a humorous rivalry, and it has since become a personal favorite for the veteran actor.
In an interview with Paul Fischer, Caine expressed how he finds himself irresistibly drawn to the film whenever he comes across it. “I never look at anything… The only thing I ever look at… is Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” he shared. His fondness for this particular film is significant, as he regards it as the funniest project he has participated in throughout his career, even if it isn’t the most critically acclaimed or commercially successful.
The charm of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels lies not only in its comedic value but also in the personal joy it brings Caine, distinguishing it amid the extensive catalog of his work. While there are undoubtedly numerous films he has yet to watch, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels remains the one he would choose to enjoy for all time, showcasing how even a seasoned actor like Caine can find enduring pleasure in a singular cinematic experience.