February Film Club: Some Like It Hot
Happy February! It's the coldest, shortest month of the year, and yet there's still so much to celebrate, even in 2021. We here at The Film Rewind have decided to turn up the heat and celebrate Valentine's Day this month with our Film Club pick: Billy Wilder's 1959 romantic comedy classic, Some Like It Hot, shot in glorious black and white. Not only is Some Like It Hot genre-appropriate for this time of year, but the central plot of the film is inspired by the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre of 1929. How very apt!
The film stars Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon as two musicians who witness a crime and must disguise themselves in drag to escape the mafia, winding up as members of an all-female band, which completely complicates their lives, especially once introduced to the band’s ukulele-playing lead-singer, Marylin Monroe. The film is noted for having been a smashing success despite its refused Hays Code approval on the basis of the ‘controversial’ themes it explores. Who doesn't love a film that turns Hollywood on its head?
It should be noted that this is one of Sarah's all-time favorite films (so much so, it was featured prominently in the theme of her sixteenth birthday party...), and I, film illiterate as I am with an MFA in Film Studies, have had this movie sitting on my ‘blind spot’ bucket list for a shamefully long time. Needless to say, we are both very excited to dig into this film that won Marilyn Monroe the Golden Globe for Best Actress, and walked home with the Academy Award for Best Costume Design-Black and White (who can forget some of those Orry-Kelly dresses Monroe had to be sewn into?!). Make sure to check Some Like it Hot out this month and join us at the end of February for a conversation about our takes on the film! As always, stay tuned for more February discussions, including anti-Valentine’s Day flicks (we see you, out there) and Black History Month-themed posts. Stay warm, cozy, and entertained!
Copyright © 2021 Bailey Lizotte
