The movie Blonde, directed by Andrew Dominik and starring Ana de Armas as Marilyn Monroe, debuted earlier this year, but it is not exactly what it seems. Blonde, which is based on Joyce Carol Oates’ best-selling novel of the same name, isn’t your typical biography; in fact, the author has stated that the tale shouldn’t be thought of in that way. Instead, the lives of Norma Jeane and her famous alter ego, Marilyn Monroe, are reimagined in both the book and the movie. But does this bring the tale any nearer the “truth” of Monroe’s life, or does it distance it even further? What the movie Blonde is actually trying to tell its viewers and how it was received by critics when it was first released are discussed below.
Inside the Mind of an Icon, a blonde movie
Blonde is almost entirely concerned with capturing Marilyn Monroe’s inner world, despite its meticulous attention to period details and props. What motivated her, for instance, and how closely did her goals line up with those of Norma Jeane?
The movie should be viewed as fiction as a result. Ultimately, Oates’ attempt to subjectively highlight an icon who was (often brutally) objectified within the field in which she worked is what drives the narrative.
Even if the experiences weren’t really Marilyn’s, they may very well represent what it’s like to be at the centre of a voyeuristic, celebrity-worshiping culture. Despite the fact that Blonde is not a typical biopic, it feels authentic. and the likely psychological effects that will follow.
A blonde in a gothic drama
Due to its disturbing imagery and portrayals of the terrifying experiences that Monroe underwent, some critics have classified Blonde as a horror film or gothic melodrama. The movie opens with Norma Jeane as a young kid and narrates the horrific tale of her upbringing, describing her mother’s efforts to drown her in a hot bath and the lasting effects of her father’s disappearance.
One of the film’s most terrifying scenes shows Norma Jeane, who is desolate and waiting for Marilyn Monroe’s persona to possess her so she can face the studio lights. It is unsettling and reminiscent of the best psychological thrillers, the kind that remains with you for a very long time, how a damaged young woman transforms into a be-masked icon.
Movie for blondes |The Price of Fame
Blonde Film: Blonde is primarily a movie about fame and the consequences for those who find themselves in the limelight. Not least because the film suggests to us as viewers that as a society we need to recognise our shared culpability and the cost we all (stars and audience members equally) pay for this industry-fueled voyeurism, it makes for uncomfortable viewing.
There are some clear similarities to the late Princess of Wales Diana. This film and the earlier Spencer, directed by Pablo Larrain and examining the inner life of another icon, have already been compared by critics.
The Cost of Fame
Is the Blonde Movie True?
Both the book and the film Blonde are upfront about the fact that they shouldn’t be taken as factual accounts of actual events. It places more of an emphasis on the inner than the outer world of its protagonist.
Audiences have been left wondering where fact ends and fantasy starts because of the meticulous attention to detail in the costumes, settings, and realistic recreation of well-known stills and short videos.
The Incident
The relationship between Monroe and Charlie Chaplin Jr. and Edward G. Robinson Jr. is the best illustration. Although the actor was rumoured to have dated both men at some point in the past and was known to be friends with both, the movie emphasises their relationship as a three-way romance. There is no proof that this actually happened in the past.
Miscarriages
Similar to how there is evidence that Monroe had numerous miscarriages while she was married to playwright Arthur Miller, there is no evidence that the abortion she has in the movie Blonde is based on actual events.
Assault attempt
And while the scene in which Monroe’s mother tries to drown her daughter lacks any substance in reality, Monroe has spoken candidly about being mistreated by her mother when she was younger.
Personas and Events
Though much of how they act is speculative, the vast majority of the characters in the movie ARE based on real people. The film also goes to great lengths to accurately reproduce several famous moments from Monroe’s career, such as the infamous “white dress-air vent” incident, the Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend routine, and stills of the actress getting ready for the stage that were obtained from her dressing room. The level of detail is extraordinary.
Ana de Armas explained how such authenticity was attained, describing how she needed intensive training to accurately reproduce Monroe’s facial expressions and that it was necessary to break down the star’s performances into various components (face, voice, movements). Before combining all of these aspects in her performance, she memorised each one.
Critical response to the movie “Blonde”
Blonde upset both critics and viewers, despite Ana de Armas’ stellar performance in the lead role receiving overwhelming acclaim. But opinions diverge on how Monroe is portrayed in writing. While many saw the direction and screenplay as an innovative take on the conventional biopic form and a compelling window into the mind of one of the world’s greatest icons, others criticised it as exploitative and responsible for (mistakenly) taking away Monroe’s agency.
Blonde was co-produced by Brad Pitt through his Plan B firm, and he has talked about the film’s ten-year production process. He praises the beauty of the movie and the lead actress’s extraordinary talent.
The film had its world premiere in September 2022 at the Venice Film Festival, where it was nominated for the Golden Lion Award.
Shining a Light on a Legend in the Blonde Movie
Blonde presents a different viewpoint on both Monroe and the cost of fame in general, whether you love it or hate it—there won’t be many people who are on the fence about it. In the movie, there are a few scenes that highlight Monroe’s sharp intelligence and observation, which aren’t typically given nearly as much credit as her golden locks and red-lipped smile.
The film is also interested in examining the degree to which Norma Jeane’s personal aspirations, such as her desire to become a mother, were eclipsed by the demands of the Marilyn Monroe persona. Again, watching the scenes that relate to this is difficult and emotionally draining.
It’s unclear how much Blonde contributes to the Monroe legend. However, those who are interested in the individual and societal ramifications of a celebrity-obsessed culture should not miss it because of its stunning cinematography and original storytelling.
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