The Seven Year Itch

The Seven Year Itch
Name	The Seven Year Itch
Director	Billy Wilder
Producer	Billy Wilder, Charles K. Feldman
Writer	Billy Wilder, George Axelrod
Starring	Marilyn Monroe, Tom Ewell, Evelyn Keyes, Sonny Tufts
Music	Alfred Newman
Cinematography	Milton R. Krasner
Editing	Doane Harrison, Hugh S. Fowler
Studio	20th Century Studios
Released	1955
Runtime	105 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$1.8 million
Gross	$12.5 million

The Seven Year Itch is a 1955 American romantic comedy film directed by Billy Wilder and starring Marilyn Monroe, Tom Ewell, Evelyn Keyes, and Sonny Tufts. The film is based on the 1952 play of the same name by George Axelrod, which was inspired by the works of Sigmund Freud and Alfred Kinsey. The movie was produced by 20th Century Studios and features a score by Alfred Newman, who also composed music for The Song of Bernadette and Captain from Castile. The film's cinematography was handled by Milton R. Krasner, who worked on All About Eve and The Young Lions.

Introduction

The Seven Year Itch is a classic example of a Hollywood film from the 1950s, with its blend of comedy, romance, and social commentary. The movie's title refers to the idea that men often experience a midlife crisis around the age of 35, which is roughly seven years into a marriage. This concept was popularized by Alfred Kinsey's research on human sexuality, which was published in Sexual Behavior in the Human Male. The film's director, Billy Wilder, was known for his work on Double Indemnity and Sunset Boulevard, and he brought his signature style to The Seven Year Itch. The movie's star, Marilyn Monroe, was a major Hollywood personality at the time, having appeared in films like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and How to Marry a Millionaire.

Plot

The plot of The Seven Year Itch follows Richard Sherman (played by Tom Ewell), a married man who sends his family away for the summer and becomes infatuated with his new neighbor, The Girl (played by Marilyn Monroe). As Richard spends more time with The Girl, he begins to fantasize about having an affair with her, which leads to a series of comedic misunderstandings and awkward situations. The film also features a subplot involving Richard's wife, Helen Sherman (played by Evelyn Keyes), and her suspicions about Richard's fidelity. The movie's story is a commentary on the social norms of the time, particularly the expectations placed on men and women in American society. The film's themes are reminiscent of the works of Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer, who wrote about the Culture Industry and its effects on society.

Production

The production of The Seven Year Itch was a complex and challenging process, with Billy Wilder and George Axelrod working together to adapt the play for the screen. The film's script was influenced by the works of Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald, who wrote about the human condition and the American Dream. The movie's score, composed by Alfred Newman, features a mix of jazz and classical music, which was a hallmark of Hollywood films from the 1950s. The film's cinematography, handled by Milton R. Krasner, used a combination of black-and-white and color footage to create a unique visual style. The movie's cast, which included Marilyn Monroe, Tom Ewell, and Evelyn Keyes, was a talented ensemble of Hollywood actors. The film's production was also influenced by the House Un-American Activities Committee and the Red Scare, which had a significant impact on the Hollywood film industry during the 1950s.

Release_and_Reception

The Seven Year Itch was released in 1955 and became a major commercial success, grossing over $12 million at the box office. The film received positive reviews from critics, with many praising Marilyn Monroe's performance and Billy Wilder's direction. The movie was also notable for its use of Product Placement, with Marilyn Monroe's character promoting Coca-Cola and Kleenex. The film's success can be attributed to the popularity of Marilyn Monroe and the Hollywood system, which produced a wide range of films during the 1950s, including Rebel Without a Cause and The Man with the Golden Arm. The movie's release was also influenced by the Supreme Court's decision in Joseph Burstyn, Inc. v. Wilson, which ruled that films were protected by the First Amendment.

Themes_and_Symbolism

The Seven Year Itch explores a number of themes and symbols, including the concept of the American Dream and the role of women in American society. The film's use of Marilyn Monroe as a symbol of femininity and sexuality was a commentary on the social norms of the time, particularly the expectations placed on women in Hollywood and American society. The movie's themes are reminiscent of the works of Simone de Beauvoir and Betty Friedan, who wrote about the role of women in society and the Feminist Movement. The film's symbolism, including the use of The Girl as a symbol of temptation and desire, was a commentary on the human condition and the nature of relationships. The movie's themes and symbolism are also influenced by the works of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, who wrote about the human psyche and the role of symbolism in human behavior.

Cultural_Impact

The Seven Year Itch has had a significant cultural impact, with its influence visible in a wide range of films and television shows. The movie's use of Marilyn Monroe as a symbol of femininity and sexuality has been referenced and parodied countless times, including in films like Some Like It Hot and Airplane!. The film's themes and symbolism have also been influential, with many filmmakers and writers referencing the movie's commentary on the human condition and the role of women in American society. The movie's cultural impact is also evident in its influence on Pop Culture, with references to the film appearing in everything from The Simpsons to Mad Men. The film's legacy is a testament to the enduring power of Hollywood films from the 1950s, which continue to influence and inspire filmmakers and audiences today. The movie's cultural impact is also influenced by the works of Jean Baudrillard and Umberto Eco, who wrote about the role of Simulacra and Hyperreality in modern society.

Category:1950s films