Sunday, February 19, 2012

MOVIE REVIEW ... MY WEEK WITH MARILYN

 
my-week-with-marilyn-movie-poster-2011Minx, marvel and even monster – anecdotes about actress Marilyn Monroe have been diverse.  Dying young and becoming a legend she is one of the few stars everyone knows just by their first name.  Based on two books by Colin Clark, ‘My Week with Marilyn’ shows why she was adored.  Examining Clarke’s involvement with her whilst she filmed ‘The Prince and the Showgirl’ it effectively explores many facets of her troubled life. 

Colin Clark (Eddie Redmayne) works as an assistant on the set of Marilyn Monroe’s (Michelle Williams) latest movie.  Shooting in England during the summer of 1956, the film also stars famed actor Laurance Olivier (Kenneth Branagh).  Although newly married, Monroe is without her husband and relishes an escape from her hectic schedule.  Colin provides this as he introduces her to British life and people such as Dame Sybil Thorndike (Judi Dench).  The week following brings an oasis in a sea of uncertainty in Marilyn’s short but memorable existence.

A fascinating portrait of a troubled and insecure young woman, ‘My Week with Marilyn’ is a top notch production.  It brings real insight into the ‘goldfish bowl’ world in which she lived with the fan adulation seemingly feeding her needful nature.  Acting opposite an array of acclaimed British actors only increased her doubts about her talents.  This clash between British and American thespian styles provides a lot of the story’s emotional conflict with Colin becoming the unwitting go-between.

Central to this interesting tale is Williams’ performance which is simply amazing.  Capturing Monroe’s mannerisms well, she truly embodies the innocent allure the actress projected.  Her co-stars are equally accomplished bringing a level of authenticity to an era of movie-making long-gone.  The budding relationship between Clark and Monroe is skilfully handled by Director Simon Curtis even if it gives an air of sadness to the tale given subsequent events.

Marilyn Monroe will probably never be understood although ‘My Week with Marilyn’ proficiently captures some of her behavioural aspects.  Wisely focused on one chapter of her career, it’s a rewarding portrait of someone dealing with the double edged sword of universal fame.
my-week-with-marilyn_76t54
Movie Review Rating  8 / 10
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review My Week with Marilyn
Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.

DVD
SOUNDTRACK

No comments:

Post a Comment