Billy Wilder’s Some Like it Hot is a masterpiece of American cinema. It is a commentary of American ideals, sexuality, gender roles, comedy, love, and relationships. Even today, it holds a certain reverence among the film community for its stunning cinematography, powerful shots, symbolism, and technique. Some Like it Hot also acts as a good example of romantic screwball comedy. It serves to show how to develop characters and narrative through dialogue, humor, and filming technique. Wilder’s characteristic style is one that spanned many movies and at least three countries. Like his 1929 film Menschen am Sonntag, this film focuses on young people and “the next generation”, especially considering the relative youth of all three of the main …show more content…
Even if at first love seems unattainable, as Sugar appeared to Joe, it can still be won with perseverance, wit, and inventiveness. He also highlights a profound difference between sexual attraction and love. In the beginning, the two men are sexually attracted to Sugar. This is where the audience is shown most of the lingering close-ups of sexualized body parts. Later, when Joe starts to fall romantically for Sugar, most of the focus is on Monroe’s face. It is clear that he is falling in love with the person, not just lusting for her body as he was in the beginning. Osgood’s final line also sends an important message: no one is perfect, but it is okay to love them anyways. For him, this applies to “Daphne”, but it also applies to Sugar – she has vices and a past that is not altogether wholesome, but Joe still loves her dearly. The messages that Wilder sends were important in the late 1950s, but they are still poignant. This film still resonates with many who watch it. As it engages the audiences with timeless humor and laughter, it showcases progressive attitudes, hope, exhilaration, and adventure to a viewing crowd that still feels somewhat oppressed by sexual norms. Technically, narratively, and socially, Some Like it Hot is a film that speaks a thoughtful message with a dash of refreshing comic