Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of these songs was NOT sung by Marilyn Monroe in the film?
Which of these songs was NOT sung by Marilyn Monroe in the film?
What is the primary function of the maracas in the engagement announcement scene?
What is the primary function of the maracas in the engagement announcement scene?
The use of diegetic sound in the film is primarily intended to:
The use of diegetic sound in the film is primarily intended to:
What is a key element that distinguishes the dress worn by Marilyn Monroe from other costumes in the film?
What is a key element that distinguishes the dress worn by Marilyn Monroe from other costumes in the film?
Signup and view all the answers
Why is the heart-shaped embroidery on Monroe's dress considered significant?
Why is the heart-shaped embroidery on Monroe's dress considered significant?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary purpose of the various costumes worn by different characters in the film?
What is the primary purpose of the various costumes worn by different characters in the film?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the significance of the various forms of transport used in the film, such as the train, bicycle, yacht, and motorboat?
What is the significance of the various forms of transport used in the film, such as the train, bicycle, yacht, and motorboat?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of these options is NOT identified as a key prop or set that contributes to the film's narrative development?
Which of these options is NOT identified as a key prop or set that contributes to the film's narrative development?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the primary reason for releasing The Seven Year Itch in a limited number of US cities initially?
What was the primary reason for releasing The Seven Year Itch in a limited number of US cities initially?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following factors contributed to the success of The Seven Year Itch in its initial release locations?
Which of the following factors contributed to the success of The Seven Year Itch in its initial release locations?
Signup and view all the answers
Why did the film The Seven Year Itch face censorship in Kansas?
Why did the film The Seven Year Itch face censorship in Kansas?
Signup and view all the answers
What strategy did United Artists employ in releasing The Seven Year Itch and The Moon is Blue?
What strategy did United Artists employ in releasing The Seven Year Itch and The Moon is Blue?
Signup and view all the answers
What did the Saturday Review article published in 1953 argue about censorship in American cinema?
What did the Saturday Review article published in 1953 argue about censorship in American cinema?
Signup and view all the answers
How does the studio system of the Golden Age illustrate the industrial principle?
How does the studio system of the Golden Age illustrate the industrial principle?
Signup and view all the answers
The release of The Seven Year Itch differed from the typical approach of the studio system in its:
The release of The Seven Year Itch differed from the typical approach of the studio system in its:
Signup and view all the answers
What is the significance of the comparison between The Seven Year Itch and The Moon is Blue?
What is the significance of the comparison between The Seven Year Itch and The Moon is Blue?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following themes are common in Billy Wilder's films?
Which of the following themes are common in Billy Wilder's films?
Signup and view all the answers
What was Wilder's primary belief about filmmaking?
What was Wilder's primary belief about filmmaking?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the main reason for the initial limited release of 'Some Like It Hot'?
What was the main reason for the initial limited release of 'Some Like It Hot'?
Signup and view all the answers
How did the film's release strategy impact its overall success?
How did the film's release strategy impact its overall success?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one of the reasons Billy Wilder is considered a versatile filmmaker?
What is one of the reasons Billy Wilder is considered a versatile filmmaker?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the reason Billy Wilder left Paramount?
What was the reason Billy Wilder left Paramount?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the main reason Paramount pressured Billy Wilder to drop "The Lost Weekend"?
What was the main reason Paramount pressured Billy Wilder to drop "The Lost Weekend"?
Signup and view all the answers
How did Billy Wilder learn English?
How did Billy Wilder learn English?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of these films is NOT mentioned as one of Billy Wilder's hits written with Charles Brackett?
Which of these films is NOT mentioned as one of Billy Wilder's hits written with Charles Brackett?
Signup and view all the answers
What was Billy Wilder's reaction to Paramount shelving "The Lost Weekend"?
What was Billy Wilder's reaction to Paramount shelving "The Lost Weekend"?
Signup and view all the answers
What did Louis B. Mayer think about "Sunset Boulevard"?
What did Louis B. Mayer think about "Sunset Boulevard"?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the significance of "The Lost Weekend"?
What is the significance of "The Lost Weekend"?
Signup and view all the answers
What was Billy Wilder's initial reaction to the success of "The Lost Weekend" after its release?
What was Billy Wilder's initial reaction to the success of "The Lost Weekend" after its release?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a theme commonly found in Billy Wilder's films?
Which of the following is NOT a theme commonly found in Billy Wilder's films?
Signup and view all the answers
What distinguishes Billy Wilder's films from other director's works?
What distinguishes Billy Wilder's films from other director's works?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the text suggest about Billy Wilder's attitude towards women?
What does the text suggest about Billy Wilder's attitude towards women?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the text imply about the role of studio systems in Billy Wilder's filmmaking?
What does the text imply about the role of studio systems in Billy Wilder's filmmaking?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the text reveal about Billy Wilder's filmmaking style?
What does the text reveal about Billy Wilder's filmmaking style?
Signup and view all the answers
How does the text connect Billy Wilder's personal views to his portrayal of characters in Some Like It Hot?
How does the text connect Billy Wilder's personal views to his portrayal of characters in Some Like It Hot?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the text imply about the significance of Billy Wilder's work?
What does the text imply about the significance of Billy Wilder's work?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following best exemplifies the "auteur" style in the context of Billy Wilder's work?
Which of the following best exemplifies the "auteur" style in the context of Billy Wilder's work?
Signup and view all the answers
How does the portrayal of women in Some Like It Hot reflect a typical trope in Billy Wilder's films?
How does the portrayal of women in Some Like It Hot reflect a typical trope in Billy Wilder's films?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of these themes is NOT explicitly mentioned as being a dominant theme in Billy Wilder's films?
Which of these themes is NOT explicitly mentioned as being a dominant theme in Billy Wilder's films?
Signup and view all the answers
What factor contributed to Billy Wilder's ability to push boundaries in Some Like It Hot?
What factor contributed to Billy Wilder's ability to push boundaries in Some Like It Hot?
Signup and view all the answers
Which technique does Wilder use to illustrate the importance of dialogue in "Some Like It Hot"?
Which technique does Wilder use to illustrate the importance of dialogue in "Some Like It Hot"?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the key aspect of Wilder's filmmaking philosophy that drives the plot forward, as highlighted in the passage?
What is the key aspect of Wilder's filmmaking philosophy that drives the plot forward, as highlighted in the passage?
Signup and view all the answers
Why does Wilder use tight plotting in "Some Like It Hot"?
Why does Wilder use tight plotting in "Some Like It Hot"?
Signup and view all the answers
What exemplifies Wilder's use of 'primacy of writing' in Some Like It Hot?
What exemplifies Wilder's use of 'primacy of writing' in Some Like It Hot?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the significance of 'Sugar' and 'Joe's' exchange about water polo in "Some Like It Hot"?
What is the significance of 'Sugar' and 'Joe's' exchange about water polo in "Some Like It Hot"?
Signup and view all the answers
Flashcards
Marilyn Monroe Songs
Marilyn Monroe Songs
Songs by Marilyn Monroe include 'Runnin' Wild', 'I Wanna Be Loved By You', and 'I'm Thru With Love', corresponding to 1922, 1928, and 1931.
Diegetic Sound
Diegetic Sound
Sound that originates from the film's world, crucial for dialogue emphasis and pacing.
Maracas in Engagement Scene
Maracas in Engagement Scene
Maracas in the engagement scene create pauses for laughter without interrupting dialogue.
Mise-en-scène: Costume
Mise-en-scène: Costume
Signup and view all the flashcards
Oscar-winning Costumes
Oscar-winning Costumes
Signup and view all the flashcards
Costume Sensual Fit
Costume Sensual Fit
Signup and view all the flashcards
Social Status through Props
Social Status through Props
Signup and view all the flashcards
Key Sets in Story
Key Sets in Story
Signup and view all the flashcards
Billy Wilder's Early Life
Billy Wilder's Early Life
Signup and view all the flashcards
Paramount Contract
Paramount Contract
Signup and view all the flashcards
Pioneering Social Problem Films
Pioneering Social Problem Films
Signup and view all the flashcards
Film Release Controversy
Film Release Controversy
Signup and view all the flashcards
Awards for 'The Lost Weekend'
Awards for 'The Lost Weekend'
Signup and view all the flashcards
Sunset Boulevard Reaction
Sunset Boulevard Reaction
Signup and view all the flashcards
Departure from Paramount
Departure from Paramount
Signup and view all the flashcards
Transition to Smaller Studios
Transition to Smaller Studios
Signup and view all the flashcards
SLIH Release Strategy
SLIH Release Strategy
Signup and view all the flashcards
Wilder as Auteur
Wilder as Auteur
Signup and view all the flashcards
Themes in Wilder's Films
Themes in Wilder's Films
Signup and view all the flashcards
Impact of Some Like It Hot
Impact of Some Like It Hot
Signup and view all the flashcards
Academy Awards Achievement
Academy Awards Achievement
Signup and view all the flashcards
Billy Wilder's Auteur Style
Billy Wilder's Auteur Style
Signup and view all the flashcards
Themes of Deception
Themes of Deception
Signup and view all the flashcards
Simple Cinematography
Simple Cinematography
Signup and view all the flashcards
Witty Dialogue
Witty Dialogue
Signup and view all the flashcards
Complex Plotting
Complex Plotting
Signup and view all the flashcards
Cynical View of Women
Cynical View of Women
Signup and view all the flashcards
Pushing Boundaries
Pushing Boundaries
Signup and view all the flashcards
Studio System Limitations
Studio System Limitations
Signup and view all the flashcards
SLIH's Initial Release
SLIH's Initial Release
Signup and view all the flashcards
Gross Revenue Example
Gross Revenue Example
Signup and view all the flashcards
Release Strategy
Release Strategy
Signup and view all the flashcards
Kansas Film Ban
Kansas Film Ban
Signup and view all the flashcards
Releasing Without Certification
Releasing Without Certification
Signup and view all the flashcards
Certification Debate
Certification Debate
Signup and view all the flashcards
The Studio System Understanding
The Studio System Understanding
Signup and view all the flashcards
Film Bans in Other States
Film Bans in Other States
Signup and view all the flashcards
Human Nature in Film
Human Nature in Film
Signup and view all the flashcards
Billy Wilder's Pessimism
Billy Wilder's Pessimism
Signup and view all the flashcards
Wilder's Film Recognition
Wilder's Film Recognition
Signup and view all the flashcards
Common Themes in Wilder's Work
Common Themes in Wilder's Work
Signup and view all the flashcards
Wilder's Versatility
Wilder's Versatility
Signup and view all the flashcards
Primacy of Writing
Primacy of Writing
Signup and view all the flashcards
Tight Plotting
Tight Plotting
Signup and view all the flashcards
Wilder's Auteur Signature
Wilder's Auteur Signature
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
Billy Wilder: Overview
- Billy Wilder, a prominent American film director and writer, believed movies are "authored" by individuals.
- He prioritized writing as the primary method for shaping a film's direction.
- Wilder worked extensively with other writers and collaborators, developing a recognized style.
- He contributed to films across various genres, including screwball comedies, romantic comedies, film noirs, and social problem pictures.
Billy Wilder's Early Life
- Born Samuel Wilder in Poland, June 22, 1906.
- He was nicknamed "Billy" due to his mother's fascination with Buffalo Bill Cody.
- Wilder moved to Vienna with his family in 1914.
- He developed a love for American jazz, westerns, and the satirical films of German director Ernst Lubitsch.
Billy Wilder: Starting in Film
- In Berlin, Wilder assisted a struggling landlady's daughter by hiding her client, a film executive.
- The executive appreciated Wilder's help and offered him a script to read.
- Wilder quickly demonstrated his expertise in narrative development.
- This event set the stage for Wilder's entry into the film industry.
Billy Wilder: Early Film Career
- Wilder soon started writing screenplays for UFA, Germany's leading movie company.
- Although he ghostwrote other films, "People on Sunday" (1929)marked his debut film.
- He gained popularity rapidly, remaining in high demand until 1933.
- The rise of Adolf Hitler forced Wilder to flee Germany, eventually settling in the USA.
Billy Wilder: In America
- Wilder arrived in Hollywood in 1934.
- After a short-lived contract with Columbia Pictures, he spent two challenging years, struggling financially.
- He lived with Peter Lorre and subsisted on a meager diet.
- He passionately taught himself English by actively listening to baseball games on the radio.
Billy Wilder: Paramount Contract
- In 1936, Wilder joined forces with Charles Brackett at Paramount Pictures.
- Together, they created a series of successful films.
- Their collaboration resulted in fourteen consecutive successes.
Billy Wilder: Controversy
- Wilder's independent spirit clashed with studio expectations.
- Paramount faced pressure to withdraw "The Lost Weekend" due to concerns about potential negative repercussions from the alcohol industry.
- Wilder's refusal to comply with the demands led to him fleeing Hollywood in a period of humiliation.
- The film "Stalag 17" further strained his relationship with Paramount.
Billy Wilder: Success
- Paramount, recognizing Wilder's genius, decided to release the film.
- Wilder's films achieved widespread success and critical acclaim.
- He received two Oscars for writing and directing.
- Wilder's distinctive style, encompassing themes of social commentary and dark humor, resonated intensely with audiences.
Billy Wilder: Winning Streak
- After leaving Paramount, Wilder worked for other small-scale studios and continued to maintain his artistic excellence.
- His collaboration with Mirisch Productions fostered his artistic approach and resulted in important projects.
- He secured a partnership with United Artists, bringing a new dimension to his cinematic career.
Billy Wilder: Mirisch Films
- Mirisch Productions significantly benefited by the influence of Wilder.
- He maintained creative freedom in his projects.
- "Some Like It Hot" emerged as a major success, cementing Wilder's position as a leading director.
Some Like It Hot: Writing
- Plot based on a pre-existing screenplay;
- Wilder augmented the plot with a criminal subplot
- Focused on witty dialogue
- Tight plotting
- Directed actors to deliver dialogue precisely
Some Like It Hot: Genre
- Used other films as a source of inspiration
- Overtly referenced other films
Some Like It Hot: Themes
- Challenges American culture and Hollywood
- Pushing boundaries on homosexuality, same-sex marriage
- Implies pseudo-lesbianism in relationships between women
Some Like It Hot: Stardom/Star Image
- His use of cross-dressing and disguises challenged star personas
- Subverted the traditional perceptions of stardom
Some Like It Hot: Human Nature
- The film addresses issues confronting individuals daily
- Musicians and artists face challenges of job scarcity
Some Like It Hot: Women
- Wilder's portrayal of women is often considered cynical;
- Wilder's women are depicted as being hard-bitten and cynical
Billy Wilder: Auteur Legacy
- Wilder's films were included in a National Film Registry
Wilder as Auteur: Collaboration
- Wilder's creative freedom stemmed from his role in the production process.
- His coauthors contributed to the script and collaboration effectively
Wilder as Auteur: Context
- The studio system controlled the creative process during the Golden Age of Hollywood
Wilder as Auteur: Context – Mirisch Productions
- Mirisch's support gave Wilder more creative freedom.
- The productions fostered the success and career of the directors and actors
Wilder as Auteur (Additional Notes)
- Wilder believed directing was about supporting actors and their performances
Certification
- 1968, certification required under the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA)
- "Some Like It Hot" released without certification due to distribution challenges
Essay Practice: Task Considerations
- Analyze the extent of Wilder's style in the film
- Locate instances of distinctive style
- Identify parallels with Wilder's other films
- Assess limitations of the studio system and its impact
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Test your knowledge of the classic film The Seven Year Itch. This quiz covers various aspects of the movie, including iconic performances, costumes, props, and the significance of musical elements. Dive into the details that make this film a timeless classic.