Thursday, January 19, 2012

My Week With Marilyn


My thoughts leaving the theater tonight: "Michelle Williams...Michelle Williams...Michelle Williams..."

Many things surrounding this film had me very skeptical about the quality that this film would have. First, it is directed by Simon Curtis. Haven't heard the name? Not surprising, this Brit has had virtually no work with any film that has any quality (unless you enjoy the 1999 BBC movie David Copperfield). Second, this film had a budget that would match most movies on the Lifetime Movie Network, only $7,000,000 (perspective: Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, $90,000,000). Lastly, and my largest concern, can Michelle Williams really pull off one of the most popular and polarizing female pop culture icons that the world has ever seen?

The Answer was YES

My Week with Marilyn Michelle was a beautiful attempt at capturing a small glimpse of the icon that was Marilyn Monroe during her time filming The Prince and the Showgirl with Sir Laurence Olivier in 1957. The film centers around Monroe's emotional struggles dealing the stress of being Marilyn Monroe and a relationship she forms with a young directors assistant Colin Clark (the relationship is most likely fictional), played by the young Eddie Redmayne. The beautifully talented Michelle Williams as Monroe really brings this film to life. Her dedication to the role and to the character shines from her first appearance on screen. She was simply brilliant, however the movie was not without its shortcomings. Possibly due to the low budget or the BBC quality director this film, in parts, the film carries a feeling that leaves the audience longing for something more... an excellence that is just out of reach. 

Overall this is an enjoyably quaint film to watch, with streaks of brilliance and amazing acting out of Michelle Williams this is a must see.

Rating: 7.8/10


1 comment:

Anonymous said...

If my posts were as misandrist as yours are misogynist, you would not be amused.