Cinematic Analysis: Some Like It Hot Marilyn Monroe

Everyone knows Dorothy’s iconic dress from the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz. Even If you haven't seen the film, the sight of a little girl in a blue checked dress and sparkly red heels would conjure images of a yellow brick road and the emerald city. Or how about Indiana Jones. How many young men have put on a brown leather jacket and tied a whip to their sides in hopes to emulate one of the most famous adventure heroes in cinematic history? Movies are created to transport audiences to different times, universes and far-off lands. Along with CGI, cinematography, acting, and set design, costume design has a critical role in every movie to have graced the big screen. Yet the art of costume design is rarely recognized in its entirety.

In the 1959 romantic comedy, Some Like it Hot Marilyn Monroe’s breasts and backside are prominently featured throughout the movie. The purpose of her character, Sugar Kane, is to serve as the sensual love interest for Tony Curtis. It is important to note that the film is set in the 1920s and while Monroe’s costumes reflect the speakeasy showgirl style, her dresses are highly sexualized. This reflects the costume designer’s goal of highlighting Monroe’s sexuality as opposed to maintaining historical accuracy.

Whether it’s to differentiate one group from another, bring out a character’s personality, or show the nuances of two character’s relationships, color always takes an important role in the development of a costume. Most people have a basic understanding of color motifs but often fail to recognize a color’s significance within the context of a costume. Take for instance the age-old black and white contrast. It is mostly used to show which character is good and which is evil. An easy example of this is Edward Scissorhands. Edward is always in black except when he is in a domestic setting when he wears white to blend in with the townspeople. The town is swathed in Easter Egg pastels, which contrasts with Edward’s harsh, all black, steampunk style. To the town, Edward is dangerous and his outward appearance shows his deviance

The T-Birds in Grease, Tyler Durden in Fight Club, and Indiana Jones all sport iconic leather jackets, each saying a different thing about their individual characters. The T-Birds jackets are as shiny and slick as their hair, highlighting their 50s greaser aesthetic. Tyler Durden’s maroon leather jacket gives him and unconventional flamboyant look that also says, “I can kick your teeth in if I want to.” Indiana Jones’ jacket is worn and battered to match the rest of his rugged appearance. See? One fabric, many different