Mondays I try to find a film to recommend that may have passed you by. This week I recommend:
MY WEEK WITH MARILYN
Directed by Simon Curtis
Screenplay by Adrian Hodges
Based on the book by Colin Clark
Starring Michelle Williams; Eddie Redmayne; and Kenneth Branagh
Sir Laurence Olivier (Branagh) is making a movie in London. When film star Marilyn Monroe (Williams) arrives for the start of shooting, all of London is excited to see the blonde bombshell, while Olivier is struggling to meet her many demands and deal with her flightiness. Colin Clarke (Redmayne), an assistant to Oliver, is intrigued by her. Then things change for Colin when Marilyn invites him into her inner world.
This film is quietly good, and I think it is mainly because of the three main actors.
Michelle Williams, who really does not take on too many roles these days, just convinces you she is Marilyn. From the smile, to the sadness, to sexiness, she becomes Marilyn.
Redmayne as Clarke, becomes us and maybe would react like us. We see Marilyn through his eyes. We understand his concerns, his crush, and his nervousness.
Branagh, who directs these days more than acts, is hilarious as Olivier as he gets more and more frustrated with the demands of his star. You feel for him.
They play off each other real well and as we watch there is almost a feeling of sadness for we know what is to come in Marilyn's life. However here, in this film, through Clarke's eyes we see a bit behind the Marilyn mystique. There is one moment when she asks Clarke should she turn on the Marilyn glow, and as quick as a snap of the finger you watch her change for the press. We see her almost enjoying her power, enjoying life.
4 out of 5 stars for this well acted, and interesting small film which is available for streaming and rental on Netflix.
As always from the shadows thanks for your time.
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