“Some Like It Hot” & Cultural movement
“Some Like It Hot”: Billy Wilder vs. the Hays Code, Brief Essay
Comedy is often thought of as a lighthearted genre, but it has the ability to question social attitudes and draw attention to important topics. Billy Wilder's film Some Like It Hot is a perfect illustration of this. The movie encourages social change by addressing issues including gender roles, sexual orientation, and societal expectations through humor. The film questions the audience's preconceived views of what constitutes appropriate behavior in society by delving into the lives of the individuals.
The portrayal of characters in drag is one of Some Like It Hot's most striking elements. Joe and Jerry, the primary characters, are musicians who witness a violent gang hit and disguise themselves as women to avoid being killed. They choose to take on female form, which results in a number of amusing and thought-provoking scenarios as they travel around the world. The movie asks viewers to consider gender roles and expectations by casting men in positions that are typically filled by women.
The film also makes social commentary on how women were treated in this time period, showing how they were frequently objectified and treated as mere objects of desire. When Joe and Jerry take on the identities of Josephine and Daphne, they see firsthand how society treats women. They are frequently sexualized and subjected to unwelcome advances by men, which makes them understand the challenges that women go through. Hence, the movie encourages empathy for and understanding of women, which might result in social change.
Additionally, the movie includes a gay character, Osgood Fielding, who is portrayed in a positive light. The character is shown as kind, charming, and accepting, which challenged the negative stereotypes of gay men during this time period.
It's important to note that the film has some issues. The movie frequently takes advantage of men's gaze, objectifying women and promoting gender stereotypes. Some people also find the representation of transgender characters to be stereotyped and disrespectful. Some Like It Hot is nevertheless a significant film for societal change despite these flaws.
Ultimately, Billy Wilder's Some Like It Hot is a superb illustration of the power of comedy to effect societal change. The film questions the audience's preconceived assumptions of what constitutes socially acceptable behavior through its use of drag characters, social commentary on women, positive portrayal of a gay character, and study of gender roles and expectations. Even if it has flaws, Some Like It Hot is nevertheless a significant movie for fostering compassion, cognizance, and acceptance of underrepresented groups.
