The Seven Year Itch (1955)

Our generation can be caught up in the glitz and glamour of the many $200,000,000+ Cinematic Universes, but when it comes to the Golden Era classics, you can't go very far wrong. This 1955 American Rom-Com features two of Hollywood's all-time greats, Marilyn Monroe plays the role of 'The Girl' who moves in upstairs. This may seem a familiar plot/narrative device nowadays, however, treading new territory in 1955 the 'Girl Upstairs' trope allowed a narrative filled with flirtatious romance, hide and seek and even wild imaginary situations. Monroe is an Icon of the Silver Screen and does not fail to deliver on an outstanding performance that fully encapsulates her best characteristics and acting ability.

Tom Ewell, who had performed the role of Richard Sherman over 900 times on Broadway before the film adaption, was a perfect fit for the 38-year-old Editor for a book publishing company. He was the exact definition of the representation for a Man struggling to resist the urge to break free from his mediocre job and held with him the nerves and anxiety that follows with it. The weary delivery of lines and the extraordinary created scenarios that Sherman conjures is a pleasure to watch, Ewell is a complete joy to see when his is given such a stage like this classic. His performance thoroughly deserved the Tony that it won onstage and the Golden Globe for Best Actor in the Billy Wilder masterpiece.

The films narrative as a whole is very enjoyable, it does include many moments of the Male lead simply just pining over the Female lead but as was the times. There are many small and insignificant characters dotted around throughout the film that allow Sherman's world to feel truly lived in and like a real breathing City. Full credit goes to Billy Wilder for making even the janitor for the apartment building intriguing and interesting. My favourite scenes through the film were Sherman's elaborate situations entirely created by his imagination, the lighting was bright and warm and the acting in them reminded me of the Film Noir period, this really helped me engage with Sherman and his way of thinking.

In my opinion, the best Hollywood classics should be tested dependant on their longevity and whether they hold up due to today's high standards. Watching Billy Wilder's classics such as 'The Seven Year Itch' and 'Some Like It Hot', I have noticed myself truly; Cringing when I was supposed to, laughing when I was supposed to and even properly aligning myself with the characters. This is a mark of true class, which many directors of the modern era fail to achieve. A true classic if I have ever seen one.