On DVD (1959). 120 minutes. #22 on the AFI list. Trailer.
One of the most referenced and discussed films of all time is Some Like it Hot, and until last night, I hadn't seen it. After my pleasant experience with director Billy Wilder in Sunset Boulevard and the prospect of watching my first Marilyn Monroe movie, I was actually looking forward to this one. Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis are starving Prohibition-era musicians that get mixed up with the mob and need to get out of town. They fill 2 openings in an all female band for a trip to Florida, and the they fall in love with bandmate Marilyn Monroe along the way.
Click below for more of this review.
Without a doubt, if I had been old enough to appreciate this in 1959, this would be among my all-time favorites. The problem with movies like this is that every idea, sketch and subtle laugh has been mined for decades, thus diluting the impact of the film. There are multiple laugh out loud moments and some decent social commentary about women and men. The pandering to Marilyn was ridiculous, especially the reference to her 'bosoms' in the original trailer (linked to above). All in all a funny, classic film that deserves its placement in the AFI 100.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Some Like It Hot (AFI Series)
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2 comments:
lawyer, i'm intrigued to read your take on older films. i've added sunset boulevard, which like you i hadn't seen, to my list on your recommendation. i've watched part of this one dozens of times. it always ends up seeming like i've seen the allusions too many times to really appreciate it. still, i need to watch it. you didn't really mention what you ultimate thought of marilyn....
Unimpressed with Marilyn. Hot, for sure, although in today's world, her size 12 form would be derided. She seemed to be just playing herself, bosoms first, just as a straw man for Lemmon and Curtis.
Its hard to admit to not having seen a lot of these, but it is a cool surprise for films like Sunset that I really like. Next up, All About Eve (which I've seen, but only once, many moons ago).
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