I'd seen the movie start-to-finish at least three times before. I'd always enjoyed it. Monroe was completely charming, and director Billy Wilder is one of my favorites (The Apartment, Sunset Boulevard, Some Like It Hot).
I was disappointed by how The Seven Year Itch made me feel in 2022. It struck me as dumb and smutty. ALL Tom Ewell's character thinks about it sex. He ONLY sees The Girl (Marilyn's character doesn't even have a name!) as objet de desir. He never stops trying to maneuver her into bed. (He doesn't ever just ask her, he's forever trying to trick her.) The movie no longer seemed silly or light. It was offensive.
Obviously, it's the same film it was when I saw it in the 1970s and the 1980s and 1990s. So I've changed, it hasn't.
One thing hasn't changed, though: Marilyn Monroe was luminous. Charming. Her appeal is immutable and immortal.
I hear you. I have found some of the movies I used to enjoy in the 70s and 80s the same way. Everything is/was sexualized. EVERYTHING. In light of all the actors/directors/presidents etc. we now more were little more than serial rapists, I wonder why we are surprised at all. Seems like as a society, we have reaped what we sowed.
ReplyDeleteHope Marilyn the boss is a good fit for you.
ReplyDeleteYes we have changed. It is sad that she died so young. Good luck with the new boss!
ReplyDeleteOh, how I hope boss Marilyn gets you.
ReplyDeleteOn a tangent--my students are analyzing change over time and Andrew Jackson's appearance on the $20 bill. How did he get there and why is he being removed? They are fascinated that our perspective of events changes yet the events remain the events. (That's my rambly way of saying I get your post about the movie)