This was shot in 1960, well into the age of color; why was it done as B&W film? It probably would've made a lot more money as a color film.
shareThis was supposed to be Mr. Miller's tribute to his wife Marilyn Monroe.. It's shocking that she would make this movie..
shareBut there were still plenty of B&W films at this time, including To Kill A Mockingbird in 1962, Hud in 1963, and even A Hard Day's Night in 1964. Personally, I like the moodiness of B&W.
shareIn the '50s and early-'60s, films were shot in color or B&W due to artistic choices as opposed to budget. (THE MISFITS was a high budget film).
Color was reserved for comedies, musicals, epics, while B&W was for somber dramas, thrillers, etc.
After about 1966, however, Hollywood dropped B&W. A shame because you can do more with mood in a B&W film.
--
LBJ's mistress on JFK:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcXeutDmuRA
In the past 20-some years, filmmakers have rediscovered the positive effects of B&W filming.
Spielberg's SCHINDLER'S LIST is a prime example.
Yes, but they're still all-too-rare. When a director tells the studios he wants to shoot in black and white, he's usually laughed out of their offices.
--
LBJ's mistress on JFK:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcXeutDmuRA
___Marilyn's contract required all her films be in color, at least at FOX. However, this was one of her independent films, and the salaries were high, including hers. To keep costs down, it was decided to print in B&W which didn't thrill her. Some Like It Hot was also done in B&W, but for very different reasons. That had more to do with the makeup being used on the male stars. B&W was still used extensively in 59-60, or around this timeframe. Five years later and it probably would have been different. I wish someone would colorize both, then you would have to go back 1952 for a B&W Monroe film.
share