My Week With Marilyn (2011)

Running Time: 99 mins
Directed By: Simon Curtis
Starring: Michelle Williams, Kenneth Branagh, Eddie Redmayne, Emma Watson, Judi Dench, Derek Jacobi, Dougray Scott, Dominic Cooper, Julia Ormond
Screenplay: Adrian Hodges
UK Release Date: 25th November 20111 - UK

Quick Plot: In 1956, the gorgeous Marilyn Monroe arrives in the UK to shoot The Prince And The Showgirl, directed by and starring Sir Laurence Olivier. A young production assistant, Colin Clark, gets a life changing week when he becomes a close friend of Miss Monroe.

Review: For me, I was always interested in seeing My Week With Marilyn as I am a huge fan of Michelle Williams and the lady herself, Marilyn Monroe. I can't say I've seen enough Monroe films for my liking, but I've seen enough to know what a talent and inspiration she was and still is.

Based upon two memoirs by Colin Clark, the film centres around Monroe's insecurities behind the camera and her relationships during 1956. Sir Larry soon realises that asking Marilyn Monroe to star in his film was a mistake after she is constantly late on set, incredibly dependent on her acting coach and highly prone to sick days. As expected, Branagh nails his performances as Sir Laurence Olivier who at first hopes to woo the gorgeous showgirl but instead is aggravated by her and her acting coach. With a few outbursts both funny ('but why can't you get here on time for the love of fuck!') and not so much, he gives a remarkable performance and is sure to wrap up a nomination for two in a few months time.

Without the press that circulated films back in the 50s compared to today, it's not fully certain what is and what isn't true about Marilyn Monroe's career and life style, so for some, My Week With Marilyn is heartbreaking discovery about one of the most famous actresses ever. Absolutely perfect casting was done for Williams as Monroe because not only does she look the part, she plays is beautifully. By going all out into perfecting each character inside the woman, Williams successfully wins over the audiences in the film and us with the glamorous, passionate actress and the lonely, frightened little girl Marilyn was. Michelle Williams obviously set out to faithfully portray the role but she also added her own charm Monroe. Meanwhile, Eddie Redmayne isn't necessarily a stand out performance in My Week With Marilyn, but he should not be forgotten as he has come a long way for his role Colin Clark. Clark's innocence begins to disappear when he falls in love with the show girl, but of course, the naivety is still there and Redmayne's portrayal of Clark is magnificent.Other British talents such as Dench, Ormond and an American Cooper give as great a job as always as well as Watson's small, pretty appearance in a few scenes.

One of the memoirs cleverly titled 'The prince, the showgirl and me' is proof alone that the relationship between Clark and Monroe was something similar to a fairytale. It's a tragic love story. It's a true account but it's something a lot of films storyline are based on. Unknown man/lady...big Hollywood actor/actress and a love affair. There are no sex scenes, but the passion shown between Monroe and Clark's affair is enough for the film to be a believable, true, love story. Williams and Redmayne's chemistry helps push the beauty of this relationship onto the screen and in the end it falls into a heartbreak.

It's not spectacular and nothing major happens as most things are either well known or seen coming but the performances are all extremely charming and keep you interested. It's definitely a film for critics and film lovers and it's going to have a lot of award nominations in the next few months. No doubt for Branagh and Williams.

Stunning performances which draw you into a very complicated yet important part of Marilyn Monroe's life and career.
3.5/5

My Week With Marilyn trailer

 

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