Marilyn Monroe: The Hidden Turmoil Behind Her Iconic Smile
"Some Like It Hot" stands as a timeless comedy classic, renowned for its clever plot and stellar performances. The 1959 film directed by Billy Wilder showcases Marilyn Monroe at the height of her career, alongside Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. While the movie brought laughter to audiences worldwide, it also masked the personal struggles of its lead actress.
Behind the scenes, Marilyn Monroe grappled with her mental health during the production. Her battle with what is now believed to be bipolar disorder affected her work on set, causing delays and tensions. Despite these challenges, Monroe delivered a memorable performance as Sugar Kane, the ukulele-playing singer who captures the hearts of her co-stars.
The film's success contrasted sharply with Monroe's inner turmoil. Her ability to portray a vibrant, carefree character while dealing with her own emotional extremes speaks to her remarkable talent and resilience. This duality between her on-screen persona and off-screen struggles adds a poignant layer to the film's legacy.
Marilyn Monroe: The Icon Behind Sugar Kane
Marilyn Monroe's portrayal of Sugar Kane in "Some Like It Hot" showcased her iconic status and complex persona. Her performance revealed both her immense talent and personal struggles.
The Stardom of Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe was at the height of her fame when she took on the role of Sugar Kane. Her star power drew audiences and elevated the film's profile. Monroe's magnetic screen presence and comedic timing shone through in her portrayal of the vivacious band singer.
Despite her popularity, Monroe took an 18-month hiatus from Hollywood before filming "Some Like It Hot." This break highlighted her complicated relationship with stardom. She negotiated for 10% of the film's gross in addition to her salary, demonstrating her business acumen and value as a leading actress.
Struggles with Mental Health
Behind the glamorous facade, Monroe battled mental health issues during the production of "Some Like It Hot." Her struggles often manifested in difficulties on set, including tardiness and forgotten lines. These challenges strained relationships with the cast and crew.
Monroe's personal turmoil contrasted sharply with Sugar Kane's bubbly persona. This juxtaposition added depth to her performance, as she channeled her inner conflicts into the character's vulnerabilities. Her ability to convey emotion on screen, despite her off-camera struggles, showcased her exceptional talent as an actress.
Influence on Hollywood and Beyond
Monroe's portrayal of Sugar Kane left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Her iconic look in the film, featuring curve-hugging dresses and platinum blonde hair, became synonymous with 1950s glamour. This image continues to influence fashion and pop culture today.
The film challenged gender norms of the conservative 1950s, with Monroe's character at the center of this subversion. Her performance helped pave the way for more complex female roles in cinema. Monroe's enduring legacy as a cultural icon owes much to her work in "Some Like It Hot," which remains one of her most celebrated films.
The Creative Force of 'Some Like It Hot'
'Some Like It Hot' emerged as a landmark comedy through the combined talents of its creative team. The film's success stemmed from expert direction, sharp writing, and memorable performances captured through skillful cinematography.
Billy Wilder's Direction and Vision
Billy Wilder brought his signature wit and storytelling prowess to 'Some Like It Hot'. His direction balanced slapstick humor with subtle social commentary, pushing boundaries in 1950s Hollywood. Wilder's decision to film in black and white, despite the popularity of color at the time, added to the film's classic noir aesthetic.
He masterfully guided the cast through complex comedic scenes. Wilder's keen eye for timing and visual gags elevated the script's humor. His insistence on multiple takes, particularly with Marilyn Monroe, ensured polished performances.
I.A.L. Diamond's Co-Writing Contributions
I.A.L. Diamond partnered with Wilder to craft the film's razor-sharp screenplay. Their collaboration produced a script filled with clever one-liners and double entendres. Diamond's talent for dialogue shone through in the rapid-fire exchanges between characters.
The writing duo created rich, multidimensional roles that allowed the actors to showcase their comedic skills. Their script deftly handled themes of gender and identity with a light touch, making the film both entertaining and subtly progressive for its time.
Filming, Performance, and Photography
Charles Lang's cinematography captured the film's performances with precision. His lighting techniques enhanced the glamour of Monroe's musical numbers and the comic timing of Curtis and Lemmon's scenes in drag.
The lead actors brought energy and charm to their roles. Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon's chemistry as the two musicians in disguise drove much of the film's humor. Marilyn Monroe's portrayal of Sugar Kane blended vulnerability with comedic timing.
On-set challenges, including Monroe's frequent tardiness, were overcome through Wilder's persistence and the cast's professionalism. The resulting performances became iconic, cementing the film's place in comedy history.
The Ensemble Cast
The stellar cast of "Some Like It Hot" brought the film's comedy to life through their impeccable performances and chemistry. Each actor contributed unique talents that elevated the movie to classic status.
Jack Lemmon as Jerry/Daphne
Jack Lemmon's portrayal of Jerry, who becomes Daphne, is a masterclass in comedic acting. His ability to switch between masculine and feminine personas showcases his versatility and timing.
Lemmon's Jerry starts as a reluctant cross-dresser but grows increasingly comfortable as Daphne. His tango scene with Joe E. Brown's Osgood Fielding III is a highlight, demonstrating Lemmon's physical comedy skills.
The actor's delivery of the line "I'm a man!" in the film's finale cements his character's arc and comedic genius. Lemmon's performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
Tony Curtis and His Transformations
Tony Curtis delivers a multi-layered performance as Joe/Josephine and the millionaire Junior. His impersonation of Cary Grant adds another dimension to his character's deceptions.
As Josephine, Curtis maintains a believable female persona while subtly conveying Joe's attraction to Sugar Kane. His scenes with Marilyn Monroe crackle with chemistry and comedic tension.
Curtis's transformation into the wealthy Junior allows him to showcase his range. He effortlessly switches between accents and mannerisms, creating distinct characters that drive the plot forward.
Supporting Roles and Unforgettable Lines
Joe E. Brown's Osgood Fielding III steals every scene he's in. His unwavering pursuit of Daphne leads to the film's iconic closing line: "Nobody's perfect."
George Raft brings menace as gangster Spats Colombo, providing a genuine threat to the protagonists. His presence grounds the comedy in real stakes.
Pat O'Brien's detective Mulligan adds dry humor and plot momentum. Joan Shawlee as Sweet Sue, the band leader, delivers sharp one-liners that punctuate key moments.
These supporting players create a rich world around the main trio, enhancing the film's comedic tapestry with memorable characters and quotable dialogue.
Thematic Elements and Social Commentary
"Some Like It Hot" explores complex themes through comedy, using gender-bending and social taboos to critique 1950s American society. The film's clever narrative weaves together commentary on gender roles, sexuality, and societal norms.
Gender Roles and Masquerade
Joe and Jerry's forced cross-dressing adventure challenges traditional gender expectations. Their experiences as "Josephine" and "Daphne" reveal the absurdity of rigid gender roles. The men struggle to maintain their disguises, highlighting the performative nature of gender.
The film showcases how clothing and mannerisms shape perceptions. Sugar's naivety about "Junior's" true identity emphasizes society's reliance on superficial cues to determine gender.
Jerry's engagement to Osgood further blurs gender lines, pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable in 1959 cinema.
Subverting Misogyny and Exploring Redemption
"Some Like It Hot" critiques misogynistic attitudes prevalent in 1950s America. Sugar's objectification by men is contrasted with Joe and Jerry's growing empathy for women's experiences.
The film portrays Sugar as more than a stereotype, giving depth to her character. Her pursuit of wealth through marriage is presented sympathetically, reflecting limited options for women at the time.
Joe's character arc shows redemption as he falls genuinely in love with Sugar. His transformation from manipulator to honest suitor subverts typical romantic comedy tropes.
The Depiction of Homosexuality and Taboos
The film daringly addresses homosexuality, a taboo subject in 1950s America. Osgood's infatuation with "Daphne" and his nonchalant reaction to Jerry's reveal push boundaries of acceptability.
The famous closing line, "Nobody's perfect," suggests a progressive attitude towards non-traditional relationships. This subtle endorsement of acceptance was revolutionary for its time.
The gangster subplot adds another layer of taboo, mixing violence with comedy. It critiques the glamorization of organized crime in pop culture.
Styling and Iconography
Marilyn Monroe's iconic style in "Some Like It Hot" blended 1920s glamour with 1950s sex appeal. Her costumes featured dazzling sequins and revealing silhouettes that became instantly recognizable.
Costume Design and Sequins
Orry-Kelly's Oscar-winning costume designs for Monroe showcased her famous figure. Her most memorable outfit was a sheer, form-fitting dress adorned with gold sequins and beads. The low-cut back and heart-shaped cutout added allure.
Monroe's gowns often incorporated tassels and feather boas, evoking 1920s flapper style. Sequins created eye-catching sparkle under stage lights, emphasizing her star power. The costumes balanced period accuracy with Monroe's signature sexiness.
Her platinum blonde hair and red lipstick completed the glamorous look. These styling choices cemented Monroe's status as a silver screen icon and sex symbol of the 1950s.
The 1950s Setting and Prohibition Era
Though filmed in 1959, "Some Like It Hot" was set in 1929 during Prohibition. The movie's styling reflected both eras. 1920s speakeasy culture provided the backdrop, with characters donning flapper dresses and pinstripe suits.
However, Monroe's makeup and hairstyling maintained a distinctly 1950s flair. This blend of periods created a timeless aesthetic. The film's black-and-white cinematography enhanced the vintage feel while showcasing Monroe's luminous beauty.
Speakeasy scenes featured art deco design elements popular in the 1920s. Jazz music and cocktail culture further established the Prohibition-era setting. This nostalgic backdrop contrasted with Monroe's modern sex appeal, creating visual intrigue.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Some Like It Hot left an indelible mark on cinema history. The film's groundbreaking approach to gender and sexuality, coupled with its stellar performances and comedic brilliance, cemented its place as a cultural touchstone.
Academy Awards and Critical Acclaim
Some Like It Hot received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Actor for Jack Lemmon and Best Director for Billy Wilder. The film won for Best Costume Design. Critics praised its witty screenplay and innovative take on gender roles.
Marilyn Monroe's rendition of "I Wanna Be Loved by You" became an iconic moment in film history. The song's popularity soared after the movie's release, further solidifying Monroe's status as a cultural icon.
The film's clever use of mafia elements added depth to its comedy, blending genres in a way that was revolutionary for its time.
Preservation and Recognition by AFI
The American Film Institute (AFI) recognized Some Like It Hot's enduring impact by naming it the best comedy of all time in their "100 Years... 100 Laughs" list.
In 1989, the Library of Congress selected the film for preservation in the United States National Film Registry. This honor is reserved for films deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."
The AFI also ranked Some Like It Hot 14th on their list of the 100 greatest American films of all time. Its inclusion in multiple AFI lists reflects its lasting influence on American cinema and popular culture.
Contextualizing 'Some Like It Hot'
"Some Like It Hot" draws inspiration from real-world events and cultural touchstones of its era. The film cleverly weaves historical elements and mob connections into its comedic narrative.
Ties to Real-Life Mobsters and the Mafia
The film's portrayal of gangsters mirrors actual 1920s mobsters. George Raft, known for his roles in gangster films, plays a mob boss reminiscent of his earlier characters. His presence lends authenticity to the criminal underworld depicted in the movie.
The St. Valentine's Day Massacre, a real event from 1929, serves as a pivotal plot point. This connection grounds the comedy in historical reality, adding depth to the story.
Edward G. Robinson Jr., son of the famous gangster actor, has a small role. This casting choice further ties the film to the genre's legacy.
Historical References in the Film
"Some Like It Hot" is set in 1929, capturing the essence of the Prohibition era. The film showcases speakeasies, jazz bands, and flapper culture, immersing viewers in the period.
New York City and Chicago feature prominently, reflecting their importance in the Jazz Age and organized crime. The contrast between these urban settings and the beachfront resort in Florida highlights social divisions of the time.
The movie draws inspiration from the 1935 French film "Fanfare of Love." This adaptation demonstrates the global influence of cinema in the mid-20th century.
Billy Wilder, the filmmaker, infuses the script with witty dialogue and social commentary. His approach cleverly critiques gender roles and societal norms of the 1950s through a 1920s lens.
