Ever wondered how filmmakers pushed boundaries and challenged Hollywood's strict... Show more
Film Studies
English Literature
Sociology
BiologySign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
192
•
Updated Mar 22, 2026
•
Exploring 'Some Like it Hot' (1959) and 'Do the Right Thing' (1989)
L
Lilly
@rc0045084
1 / 3
Breaking the Rules: Some Like it Hot vs Classical Hollywood
Billy Wilder's "Some Like it Hot" was a proper rebel for its time, taking on Hollywood's biggest taboos when the industry was still heavily controlled. The Hays' Code - basically a list of moral rules that censored films from 1930-1968 - made it nearly impossible to show anything remotely controversial.
Wilder had to get funding from United Artists instead of the big five studios because his cross-dressing comedy was too risky for mainstream Hollywood. When the film flopped at its first test screening with traditional audiences, Wilder cleverly pivoted to target teenagers and students - a demographic Hollywood had largely ignored.
The famous "Oh Boy I am a boy" scene perfectly shows how Wilder bent the rules. When Jerry (dressed as 'Daphne') gets engaged to Osgood, the film explores themes of gender and sexuality that were completely forbidden under the Hays' Code. The Catholic League of Decency condemned the film for breaking the "sanctity of marriage" rule.
Key Point: Wilder used clever dialogue and implicit jokes to sneak controversial content past the censors, proving that creative filmmakers could still push boundaries even under strict studio control.
New Hollywood Freedom: Do the Right Thing
By 1989, Spike Lee had the advantage of making films in the New Hollywood era, where the Hays' Code was long gone and directors had much more creative freedom. Lee wrote, directed, and starred in "Do the Right Thing," tackling racism and social issues that would've been impossible to explore explicitly in Classical Hollywood.
The "No Nasty" scene shows this newfound freedom perfectly. Where Wilder had to hide sexual content through innuendo, Lee could show intimate scenes with close-ups and explicit dialogue. This wasn't just about being provocative - it demonstrated how New Hollywood allowed filmmakers to address real social issues without tiptoeing around censorship.
However, even in this freer era, Lee faced studio interference. Paramount wanted him to tone down Radio Raheem's death scene, worried it might spark real-world violence. When Lee refused to compromise his artistic vision, Paramount pulled their funding completely.
Universal eventually funded the film "only for profit," recognising Lee's status as an auteur who could deliver commercial success whilst maintaining creative control. The film made $27 million worldwide, proving that challenging content could still be profitable.
Fun Fact: Lee specifically constructed Radio Raheem's death to reflect real police brutality cases, showing how New Hollywood directors could directly address contemporary social issues.
Creative Control and Auteur Power
Both Wilder and Lee proved themselves as true auteurs - directors with such strong artistic vision that they could demand final cut privileges even when studios disagreed with their choices. Wilder famously said his ten commandments were "thou shalt not bore" and "thou shalt have the right of final cut."
Wilder's decision to shoot "Some Like it Hot" in black and white, despite colour film being widely available, shows his artistic authority. Even when Marilyn Monroe's contract specifically required colour films, Wilder overruled her demands, claiming the male leads' makeup looked green in technicolour and ruined the cross-dressing illusion.
Both directors had to seek alternative funding when major studios rejected their visions. Wilder went to United Artists, whilst Lee moved from Paramount to Universal. This pattern shows that even across different Hollywood eras, creative filmmakers often had to work outside the mainstream system to maintain artistic integrity.
The studio system's influence persisted even into New Hollywood, but directors like Lee had more negotiating power than their Classical Hollywood predecessors. Where Wilder had to use clever loopholes and implicit content, Lee could be direct about controversial themes.
Bottom Line: Both films prove that truly innovative cinema often requires directors to challenge industry expectations, whether through clever rule-bending or outright defiance of studio demands.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content in Film Studies
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5
App Store
4.7/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Exploring 'Some Like it Hot' (1959) and 'Do the Right Thing' (1989)
L
Lilly
@rc0045084
Ever wondered how filmmakers pushed boundaries and challenged Hollywood's strict rules? Two groundbreaking films - "Some Like it Hot" (1959) and "Do the Right Thing" (1989) - show how directors fought for creative freedom in completely different eras of cinema.
Breaking the Rules: Some Like it Hot vs Classical Hollywood
Billy Wilder's "Some Like it Hot" was a proper rebel for its time, taking on Hollywood's biggest taboos when the industry was still heavily controlled. The Hays' Code - basically a list of moral rules that censored films from 1930-1968 - made it nearly impossible to show anything remotely controversial.
Wilder had to get funding from United Artists instead of the big five studios because his cross-dressing comedy was too risky for mainstream Hollywood. When the film flopped at its first test screening with traditional audiences, Wilder cleverly pivoted to target teenagers and students - a demographic Hollywood had largely ignored.
The famous "Oh Boy I am a boy" scene perfectly shows how Wilder bent the rules. When Jerry (dressed as 'Daphne') gets engaged to Osgood, the film explores themes of gender and sexuality that were completely forbidden under the Hays' Code. The Catholic League of Decency condemned the film for breaking the "sanctity of marriage" rule.
Key Point: Wilder used clever dialogue and implicit jokes to sneak controversial content past the censors, proving that creative filmmakers could still push boundaries even under strict studio control.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
New Hollywood Freedom: Do the Right Thing
By 1989, Spike Lee had the advantage of making films in the New Hollywood era, where the Hays' Code was long gone and directors had much more creative freedom. Lee wrote, directed, and starred in "Do the Right Thing," tackling racism and social issues that would've been impossible to explore explicitly in Classical Hollywood.
The "No Nasty" scene shows this newfound freedom perfectly. Where Wilder had to hide sexual content through innuendo, Lee could show intimate scenes with close-ups and explicit dialogue. This wasn't just about being provocative - it demonstrated how New Hollywood allowed filmmakers to address real social issues without tiptoeing around censorship.
However, even in this freer era, Lee faced studio interference. Paramount wanted him to tone down Radio Raheem's death scene, worried it might spark real-world violence. When Lee refused to compromise his artistic vision, Paramount pulled their funding completely.
Universal eventually funded the film "only for profit," recognising Lee's status as an auteur who could deliver commercial success whilst maintaining creative control. The film made $27 million worldwide, proving that challenging content could still be profitable.
Fun Fact: Lee specifically constructed Radio Raheem's death to reflect real police brutality cases, showing how New Hollywood directors could directly address contemporary social issues.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Creative Control and Auteur Power
Both Wilder and Lee proved themselves as true auteurs - directors with such strong artistic vision that they could demand final cut privileges even when studios disagreed with their choices. Wilder famously said his ten commandments were "thou shalt not bore" and "thou shalt have the right of final cut."
Wilder's decision to shoot "Some Like it Hot" in black and white, despite colour film being widely available, shows his artistic authority. Even when Marilyn Monroe's contract specifically required colour films, Wilder overruled her demands, claiming the male leads' makeup looked green in technicolour and ruined the cross-dressing illusion.
Both directors had to seek alternative funding when major studios rejected their visions. Wilder went to United Artists, whilst Lee moved from Paramount to Universal. This pattern shows that even across different Hollywood eras, creative filmmakers often had to work outside the mainstream system to maintain artistic integrity.
The studio system's influence persisted even into New Hollywood, but directors like Lee had more negotiating power than their Classical Hollywood predecessors. Where Wilder had to use clever loopholes and implicit content, Lee could be direct about controversial themes.
Bottom Line: Both films prove that truly innovative cinema often requires directors to challenge industry expectations, whether through clever rule-bending or outright defiance of studio demands.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
5
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Most popular content in Film Studies
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5
App Store
4.7/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user