|
DRAMA.
“MY WEEK WITH
MARILYN” BRINGS BACK FOND MEMOIRES.
“My Week With
Marilyn.” Rated: R. Some Language and Nudity. Running Time: 100mn.
Starring: Michelle Williams, Eddie Redmayne, Julia Ormond, Kenneth Branagh,
Judi Dench and Emma Watson. Based on the Book by Colin Clark. Director: Simon
Curtis (“David Copperfield” TV).
Right: Michelle Williams languishes in her role as Marilyn Monroe in "My Week With Marilyn."
“My Week With Marilyn” brought back many fond memories for
me as a movie lover. In 1956, which seems ions ago, I lived in Long Beach,
California for a little over a year. I had the wonderful opportunity to work at
M-G-M Studios for about four months of that time. Seeing “My Week With Marilyn”
brought back those memories which were a good time for me.
Marilyn Monroe was every guy’s dream back in the 50s and
60s. Everyone liked her, even the females. She had this little squeaky voice
and the pouty lips that simply mesmerized people. She walked with the little
jerky motion and she was in a word, delightful. You knew right away when you
saw her on screen, that she was a true movie star in every sense of the word.
You knew that she would someday be on a postage stamp.
“My Week With Marilyn” is a dream like film that focuses on
a very brief affair between Marilyn Monroe and a young studio aid who believes
that they are in love. Simon Curtis, whose work has been entirely in TV,
directs this charming film based on the book and diaries of Colin Clark.
The film begins letting us know that Colin Clark (Eddie
Redmayne) is from an upper class English family in the year 1956. His burning desire is
to go to London and work in the film business. Colin’s persistence
and his father’s influence, get him a job as third assistant director on the
set of “The Prince and the Showgirl” which is being directed by Sir Laurence
Olivier (Kenneth Branagh). It will star Olivier himself and the internationally
famous film star, Marilyn Monroe (Michelle Williams).
When Marilyn arrives for her first visit to London, she is
accompanied by her husband and famed playwright, Arthur Miller (Dougray Scott).
Of course, the press are absolutely in love with the beautiful blonde and rest
on her every word. If only her association with Olivier were as good. Olivier
is angered and upset with Marilyn’s constant tardiness on the set making
everyone else have to wait on her. He is also bothered by her insistence on Lee
Strasberg, an acting coach, being present for her Method Acting. The one thing
that is the straw that broke the camel’s back, is Marilyn’s totally
unpredictable mood swings. Olivier knows that the public and the camera adores
her, but will “The Sleeping Prince” (this was the original name of the movie)
get made.
Everyone on the set is surprised when veteran actress, Sybil
Thorndike (Judi Dench) is understanding of her and keeps giving her good
advice. Then in steps 23 year old Colin who works, as he puts it, “a go-fer..”
on the movie. This was very similar to the job I had at M-G-M. Marilyn welcomes Colin as someone on her side,
a true confidant. She asks Colin why Olivier has such harsh words and criticism
for her. His explanation is perfect. He tells Marilyn that Olivier is a great
actor who wants to be a great film star. You are a great film star who wants to
be a great actress.” Marilyn has a reward for this starry eyed youth who thinks
she is in love with him. She grants some intimate time including a nude swim in
a nearby lake. What red blooded man could refuse this offer?
Michelle Williams conveys the contradictions and chameleon
like persona of this confused young woman. Her swings from self doubt to self confidence
are all right there on the screen. Marilyn’s fear of being left alone and the
pleasure of having the complete attention of everyone on the set or in the room
are captured perfectly by Williams. Eddie Redmayne, whose claim to fame to now,
was in the historical epic, “Elizabeth,” is believable as the excitable young
man who is totally infatuated by the sex goddess. The brief interlude that
Marilyn and Colin have, is perfectly played out. This is a film with memories,
nostalgia and a pleasing result.
Roy’s Rating: A.
Roy Recommends: “The Prince and the Showgirl”
Scene Stealer: Judi Dench
Personally: Reflecting on this film and my stay in
California, “The Prince and the Showgirl” was being shot at the same time that
I worked for M-G-M.
|
