Review of The Seven Year Itch (1955) by Christopher G — 08 Aug 2012

The Seven Year Itch is first of all only famous because of one peculiarly scene, where the most famous movie star of all time, Marilyn Monroe wears her famous curvy, white dress and the breeze from the subway grate blows up her dress, so we can see her legs. This has become the most famous images of all time, and the first picture that comes to our head when we hear the name Marilyn Monroe. It has become a part of our pop culture, an icon that is recognized by all people in all ages. Sadly enough this is probably the only good thing about this film, though it's was of that reason that I actually choose to watch it in the first place.

It's the story about the middle aged book publisher, Richard Sherman (Tom Ewell) who sends his wife and son off on vacation for the summer, while he stays home in New York working. He has promised his wife to quit smoking and drinking, but it all changes when a girl (Marilyn Monroe) has moved into the apartment above him, who seems to have caught Richard's interest, no matter how much he tries to resist.

Maybe my expectations where to high, with such big names as Marilyn Monroe and directed by no other than the comedy king, Billy Wilder. But I was disappointed, because this is certainly not one of his greatest film, but rather one of his worst. It's nothing special about this film except Monroe sexy look. The protagonist played by Tom Ewell is simply over the top, and exhausting because he talks loud to himself all the time, which is kind of creepy. Monroe's performance is what she's suppose to be, a blond girl with no brain, so in that sense it's a good performance, but so degrading toward's women. This movie is nothing else but eye candy, with no flavor. Thumbs down.