REVELATORY
My Week With Marilyn: A Luminous Love Story
STANDING TALL ON CHICAGO’S MAGNIFICENT MILE IS A STATUE OF one of the United States’ most iconic movie stars. The young blonde teasingly holds down her infamous white dress in a losing battle with a gust of air: a larger-than-life Marilyn Monroe.
But a much more human Monroe is on display in My Week With Marilyn, a poignant new film based on British filmmaker Colin Clark’s relationship with the screen star while working as an assistant director for Laurence Olivier’s The Prince & The Showgirl in 1957.
Released last weekend, the movie immerses viewers’ in Clark’s longing and lust for the screen siren, but his desire is more puppy dog “I have a crush on my teacher” infatuation than hunger for sex. His story is utterly enchanting in the retelling.
Michelle Williams captures the innocence, neediness and insecurity that hid deep inside the luminous screen star. The film touches on Monroe’s legendary self-destruction, her penchant for onset drama, and her love-hate relationship with Olivier. And Monroe’s dalliance with Clark, as played by Eddie Bedmayne, reflects an amber nostalgia rather than raw passion or affect.
In addition to Williams, Judi Dench delivers a stunning performance in every scene as Sybil Thorndike, her costar in the 1957 movie. Thorndike’s mothering protection and compassion toward Monroe counters the jagged, cold demeanor of Kenneth Branagh’s Olivier.
But it’s Williams’ turn as the damaged Norma Jean masquerading as star that gives the movie its depth. The movie is a classic.
Shakenya Jackson believes in the power of swag. She also enjoys long walks in the park and dirty dishes.
1 Comment
Agreed!!!! Not only is this movie a must see it has already, in my mind, been placed into the guaranteed classic category. Williams’ portrayal of Marilyn was surprisingly fun, realistic and refreshing to watch and experience. She took the time to not only get her look down but in each step she took or small body movement she exuded the excellence that was Marilyn. This movie pulled you in and didn’t let you go until the end credits. Far superior to the many former attempts and failures to capture Marilyn’s essence. Run, don’t walk, to the movies for this one!