great flick! I think it is akin to using aspects of Jake Lamotta's life in Raging Bull, not necessarily a biopic ...
Apologies if mentioned already, but isn’t this based on Joyce Carol Oates’ fictionalised biography of MM? I’ve read that (and much other JCO) and it’s a phenomenal book. It’s not a novel and it’s not a biography. Judging from the film so far - 20 minutes in - so is this. (Doh it’s a film). Ana de Armas is going to win lots of awards for this. She’s tremendous. EDIT - this is not strictly factual and it does not flinch from portraying a lot of bad things.
I find the idea of using Monroe's life and making up a bunch of BS to be distasteful. No, I won't be watching. I wonder if the director has any daughters, maybe in 20 years someone can make a made up film about them.
The author of the book even admits that it is completely fictionalized. Why didn't she use her own name as the main character if that was the case instead of dragging a dead woman into it?
Wow, a lot going on in this film. Cinematography is wonderful some absolutely beautiful shots in here although I don’t understand the reason for the changes of the aspect ratio. Regarding the movie itself, man very depressing all the way through, not one instance of joy at all. By the 2 hour mark, I just wanted it to end already. Oh and the score reminded me of Twin Peaks.
indeed.... how many times are they going scrape the bare bones of the poor women for another buck.... they F#%^ed her over in life and now in death for 60 years....
Great review, and touches on a number of the reasons I won't be seeing this flick as a matter of principle.
But I think that's the trick; she got something out of being MM - a great deal actually - and to explore that along with all the horrendous stuff, including her own wildly self-destructive behavior, could prove a transformative cinematic experience. But you need a master to accomplish this.
I hope to see this movie in the next few days. I have no certainty how my review will come out, since Mark and Mick disagree on their reviews pretty dramatically. My brother saw it as well and he didn't like it. He thought there were a lot of miss opportunities to cover the relationship with both of the Kennedys and other aspects of her life. I have no idea how I am going to feel after I actually see the movie. I know I love the lead actress and the brief trailers sure look gorgeous, but it could be just too much of a downer for me. I know she had a sad life too, but surely there were some lighter moments along the way. Do we see any of that in this movie? Stay tuned for my review. I am as open minded as I can be right now.
I think everyone has. But they may prefer to see a film like The Body Snatcher; similar theme, but a bit more upfront about the subject.
After seeing it awhile ago, I am upset I wasted my time watching something so joyless. Ana was Fantastic and the cinematography was great but the movie was not. I was wishing for her to kill herself so she wouldn’t have to deal with anymore crap or me having to sit through anymore as well. Honestly did the people who made this film even think Norma / Marilyn was talented or smart. Was her whole life a nightmare without any joy at all, would it have hurt to show some of the happier times in her life.
Here is a really fine article and interview with Ana de Armas in USA Today where she talks about visiting Marilyn Monroe's grave in Hollywood and her dedication to her character portrayal. Keanu Reeves' critically panned erotic thriller "Knock Knock" is entirely forgettable. But the film starring then-newcomer Ana de Armas has improbably set the stage for an unforgettable portrayal of Marilyn Monroe. Somehow, when "Blonde" writer and director Andrew Dominik saw 2015's "Knock Knock," he knew that Cuban-born de Armas, who played one-half of the seductive and dangerous duo terrorizing Reeves, had what it took to portray screen icon Monroe. Marilyn Monroe in 'Blonde': Ana de Armas on her ... - USA Today
Mark Kermode’s review is quite apt I thought. He describes it as a horror movie using MM’s life as its medium. I hate horror movies fwiw. Having seen the whole film now I found it a challenging watch.
Beautiful cinematography, fantastic score and a wonderful performance by Ana. And yet, the movie was a depressing, pretentious bore.
