“Blonde”, 2022
Director: Andrew Dominik
Based on the fictional biography by Joyce Carol Oates, “Blonde” is a reimagined take on Marilyn Monroe’s life. It explores the split between her public persona and her private struggles, delving into her relationships and career in a highly stylized manner.
Starring: Ana de Armas, Adrien Brody, Bobby Cannavale, Xavier Samuel, Julianne Nicholson, Evan Williams, Toby Huss, David Warshofsky, Caspar Phillipson, Dan Butler;
Production year: 2022;
Genre: biography, drama;
MPAA rating: nc17;
Duration: 167 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,5;
More information about the film “Blonde” on the website imdb.com
“Norma Jean & Marilyn”, 1996
Director: Tim Fywell
This HBO biographical drama portrays the life of Marilyn Monroe, with the novelty of having two actresses play her at different points in her life; one as Norma Jeane Baker and the other as Marilyn Monroe, highlighting the contrast and conflict between her private self and her public image.
Starring: Ashley Judd, Mira Sorvino, Josh Charles, Ron Rifkin, David Dukes, Peter Dobson, Taylor Nichols, John Rubinstein, Allan Corduner, Dana Goldstone;
Production year: 1996;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 139 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6;
“The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe”, 2015
Director: Laurie Collyer
A mini-series that looks into Marilyn Monroe's family life and how she succeeded in hiding her most intimate secrets from the press and an invasive world.
Starring: Kelli Garner, Susan Sarandon, Embeth Davidtz, Jack Noseworthy, Eva Amurri, Stephen Bogaert, Giacomo Gianniotti, Peter MacNeill, Barry Flatman, Matthew Bennett;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: biography;
Age: 12+;
Duration: 173 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe” on the website imdb.com
“Love, Marilyn”, 2012
Director: Liz Garbus
A documentary that features readings from Monroe’s recently discovered writings, letters, and diaries by an all-star cast of actors, giving insights into her inner life and clearing the space between her public and private personae.
Starring: F. Murray Abraham, Elizabeth Banks, Adrien Brody, Ellen Burstyn, Glenn Close, Hope Davis, Viola Davis, Jennifer Ehle, Ben Foster, Jack Huston;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: documentary, biography;
Age: 12+;
Duration: 107 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
These films vary in their approach to Marilyn's story, some taking a more factual stance while others provide a mix of fact and fiction to explore the enigma of who Marilyn Monroe really was beyond the silver screen.
In conclusion, films about Marilyn Monroe offer a captivating exploration of one of Hollywood's most iconic figures, delving into her personal struggles, professional triumphs, and the enigmatic allure that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. From dramatic biopics to nuanced documentaries, these films provide a multifaceted portrayal of Monroe's life, reflecting both the vulnerability and the resilience of a star whose legacy endures long after her passing. Whether viewed as tragic figures or triumphant spirits, these cinematic representations ensure that Marilyn Monroe's impact on culture and cinema will be remembered and studied for generations to come.
