Some Like it Hot Flashcards
Who directed SLIH and when was it made
Billy Wilder, 1959
What are the most significant key scenes
Train scene, Date scene and Nobody is perfect
What are a few examples of social context for SLIH
Cold war, civil rights movement, hays code, red scare, wide spread conservatism
How does Some Like It Hot challenge traditional gender roles and norms of the 1950s?
Some Like It Hot challenges 1950s gender norms through its use of cross-dressing and gender disguise, with the male protagonists adopting female identities. This comedic setup allows the film to explore fluidity in gender roles, question societal expectations of masculinity and femininity, and subtly critique rigid gender binaries. The character arcs also reveal how performance and identity are socially constructed.
What major themes are explored in Some Like It Hot?
The film explores themes like gender identity, disguise and performance, forbidden love, social class, and the fluidity of sexual attraction. It also critiques societal norms through humor and subversion.
How do Joe and Jerry change throughout Some Like It Hot?
Joe becomes more empathetic and self-aware through his relationship with Sugar, while Jerry embraces the freedom of his Daphne persona, eventually reconsidering traditional ideas of romance and identity.
How does Billy Wilder use visual comedy in Some Like It Hot?
Wilder uses tight framing, slapstick timing, and clever blocking to enhance the comedic impact of scenes, especially during moments of identity confusion or chase sequences.
Why was Some Like It Hot considered controversial at the time of its release?
Released in 1959, the film pushed boundaries by including cross-dressing, sexual innuendo, and hints at same-sex attraction, which clashed with the conservative norms of the era and the strict Hays Code.
What is the significance of the line “Nobody’s perfect”?
Spoken at the end by Osgood Fielding III in response to Jerry revealing he’s a man, the line humorously accepts human flaws and differences, subtly promoting tolerance and nonconformity.
How does the editing in Some Like It Hot contribute to the film’s comedic timing?
The editing uses quick cuts, reaction shots, and tight pacing to enhance comedic timing — especially in scenes of mistaken identity or frantic escapes, like the train sequence or the final chase.
What role does continuity editing play in Some Like It Hot?
Continuity editing ensures smooth transitions and spatial coherence, which is key in maintaining the illusion of realism even during farcical or chaotic moments.
How does Some Like It Hot use sound and music to support its narrative?
The film uses diegetic jazz music (performed by the all-girl band) to ground the story in its 1920s setting and enhance mood. Non-diegetic sound also amplifies comedic beats and emotional shifts, especially in romantic scenes
What is the significance of Marilyn Monroe’s musical performances in the film?
Her songs like “I Wanna Be Loved by You” are both plot-relevant and character-revealing. They showcase Sugar’s vulnerability and longing, while also adding glamour and charm to the film.
