Some Like It Hot

Rating: 9/10 (13 July 2010)

"SOME LIKE IT HOT"
In a departure from his earlier usual genre of dramas and romantic dramas that Billy Wilder has directed and/or written, "Some Like It Hot" is more or less a screwball romantic comedy.
Released in 1959, the film is a light-hearted vehicle for the talents of Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, Marilyn Monroe and Joe E. Brown. Not a costume drama, but more of a costume comedy: Lemmon and Curtis must flee after witnessing a St. Valentines Day type mob hit in Chicago and decide to cross-dress to be able to join an all girl band headed to Florida.
Hilarity ensues and throughout the film the innuendos and awkward situations that cross- dressing can produce are cutting edge of that time. The inferences to sexuality are tamer by today's standards and some obviously do not have the same "punch" as when the film was first released. The costumer, who won an Oscar for their efforts, showed daring ideas and wardrobe choices for Monroe that further justified her status as a "Sex Symbol."
Unlike other screwball comedies, "Some Like It Hot" actually has a plot and a strong storyline that keeps the viewer engaged. From the opening car chase scene to the final line in the movie, there is a keen anticipation of what is going to happen next; will it be a scene showcasing Monroe singing, or a scene of humor either through sight gags or dialog. Either way, it all adds up to the overall cohesiveness of the film.
Charles Lang was nominated for an Oscar as Cinematographer due to his working with the lighting director and costumer to accentuate Monroe's shapeliness. Lang obviously has a fine eye in regard to not only camera angle and type of lens, but also to the lighting placement, be it overhead, side, filtered, etc. Monroe is predominately shot with overhead lighting and a "fuzzy" filtered lens. This gives her the overall appearance and feeling of a fluffy kitten or a warm, fuzzy sweater. Or both.
Jack Lemmon acts as the comic relief of the two cross-dressers. His lines and antics garner more of the laughs than Curtis'. As in most comedies, there is usually the "set up man" and the "straight man." Curtis plays the role of the "straight man" by trying to keep Lemmon out of trouble. Curtis also has a third persona to play, that of a fake millionaire as he tries to capture the heart of Monroe. All involved give a solid performance.
So travel back in cinematic history about 50 years, get a big bowl of popcorn and prepare to be entertained by some of the biggest stars of that era.
I can assure that most will like: "Some Like It Hot."