Some Like It Hot, and I'm One of Them

When first hearing about the requirements for the movies eligible to review, my first reaction was one of hatred for all literature and literature related courses. I have never been drawn into any older movie, except for the Bond series, up until this point. Some Like It Hot, directed by Billy Wilder, was able to flip my negative view of older movies 180 degrees. Through the use of scantily clad buxom babes, hilarious shenanigans, and of fear this movie succeeded in catching my attention and effectively changing my outlook on what makes a good movie.

Joe and Jerry the main protagonists, played by Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon respectively, were able to really get into character while playing Josephine and Daphne in an attempt to flee an angry Chicago Mob Boss, an aspect of the plot which allowed hilarity to ensue. The fact that they joined on all girls band only made things better. Filling to viewer with suspense as to if or when they were going to be found out for who they truly were, their transvestitism not only laid the groundwork for a hilarious comedy to ensue, but was also a terrific reason to bring in numerous beautiful ladies.

This fact leads to another terrific actor featured in this film: Marilyn Monroe. She shines so bright in this film, appearing in chic negligee for most of the movie made it ever more enticing to watch. Reminiscent of such latter day classics as Old School and American Pie, Billy Wilder really knew how to grab on to viewers’ heart strings, by throwing in such a fine specimen as Monroe, Wilder opened up the audience to not only teenage boys but also their fathers. Comparing this to these other movies however, makes the movie appear tame, but journeying back to a time when women weren’t allowed to have jobs and showing their ankles was scandalous, this movie seems pretty daring, even pushing the line on gay and homosexual marriage. This is seen near the end of the movie, where Jerry, who has been having a grand affair with a gentleman by the name of Joe E. Brown, appears to be almost legitimately in love with his courter.

Ahead of its time, it is also able to play homage to the large bootlegging rackets run out of Chicago. It combines elements from the Three Stooges and Scarface, essentially combining comedy and action into two terrific hours of footage. Being chased around the country by a bunch of mobsters wouldn’t seem fun, and yet through the use of excellent directorial choices it seems like a laugh riot. Airing more on the side of Larry Curly and Moe, in scenes involving elevators a loud whooshing noise each time one of the main characters uses the apparatus.

Thanks in part to the pure sexuality of Marilyn Monroe, extremely witty one lines gush from the screen. Having watched it with Buster, we found ourselves in awe of the sheer power held in such few words. On his pretend yacht, Joe, pretending to be a rich oil tycoon named Junior, is able to entice Sugar Kane, Monroe, on to his couch breaking down all her defenses by expertly crafting an ailment where he isn’t turned on by woman. A true ladies man, he proceeds to play his mind tricks with her into the wee hours of the morning (if you catch my drift).

Over all I would say that this movie unlike other more serious older movies would be a big hit with today’s crowd, replacing Marilyn with Jessica Simpson and Tony and Jack, with two guys I know I’d pay 8 dollars to essentially see it again in theaters.