‘Some Like It Hot’ Film Historical Analysis

‘Some Like It Hot’ Film Historical Analysis

The film “some like it hot” tells the story of two struggling musicians who join an all girls’ band to escape a gang of murderous mobsters. During its time Some Like it Hot did achieve success due to its racy, and comedic style, along with showcasing Marilyn Monroe. However, the film still reached a certain level of controversy due to its sexual themes, depiction of cross-dressers, and its hints of homosexuality. Ultimately, it can be argued that the film marked an abrupt end to pre-code era production, a factor which put an abrupt stop to sexual content, and drastically changed the rules of cinema.

Marilyn Monroe has played many seductive roles, but her role as Sugar which depicted her wearing a see-through dress exposing her breasts. Her nude dress which she wore throughout the entirety of the film, it was deemed incredibly scandalous that it garnered more controversy than the cross-dressing factor of the film. It was also used as the leading reason to why it was banned in Kansas. In the era films were restricted from showing nudity. However, due Marilyn Monroe’s sex appeal in the deemed “strip tease” scene, where she sings “I want to be loved by you”, only further helped earn her the title of the leading sex symbol of the 1950’s.

“Some Like It Hot” is celebrated to this day for being one of the first films depicting a cross-dresser. Insight of the time challenging gender roles led to scrutiny, and controversy. This factor was ultimately one of the restrictions the movie ignored. However, the movie was still effective in applying humor to the situation, the two leading male characters were in by pushing them to understand females, as well as push aside gender expectations, and norms. In the process, it also pushes the audience to do so as well. Their development can be shown through the scenes where Jerry begins to appreciate the feminine lifestyles , when he goes out with Osgood, and when Joe becomes more sympathetic towards Sugar’s emotions.

The subtle hints of homosexuality, was also seen as controversial. The concept was even a part of the various “Don’ts”, and “Be Careful” list which was made in 1927. During the time the rule was made even more relevant, due to the stability of traditionalist ideals. The hints of homosexuality can be seen through the cross-dressing storyline, and also Osgood’s character who in the final lines of the film, after being told by Jerry that he is a man, responds by saying “nobody’s perfect”.

Although, looking back the movie can be seen as a mellow screwball comedy, that used slapstick humor. The movie was still controversial for it’s time for its content which challenged the strict codes that dominated the films which were produced in Hollywood, and put an abrupt end to coded production.