My Week With Marilyn

Rating: 4.75/5

Based on true events, My Week With Marilyn, is in my opinion one of the best made films about the classic film era.

Colin Clark (Eddie Redmayne) comes from a wealthy upper class family, but defies their expectations by attempting to enter the film industry. Living in England, he knows of one man who may be able to help him achieve his dreams; Laurence Olivier. At first, Colin can't seem to gain any ground in working on Olivier's newest production, but once Colin is able to prove himself to be an asset to the company, he is appointed the position of Third Assistant Director.

When Olivier's new picture, "the Prince and the Showgirl", gets underway, Colin becomes in charge of arranging temporary housing for the film's leading lady, Marilyn Monroe (Michelle Williams). Though just a simple assistant at first, Colin quickly becomes someone Monroe takes a liking to, and their relationship becomes both a help and a hinderance to the production of the film.

However factually accurate the events of this film may or may not be, the performances of the cast cannot be denied as anything but brilliant. Michelle Williams disappears into the role of Marilyn, creating many scenes throughout the movie where I found myself thinking just how much she looked and sounded like the classic Hollywood star. She shows the darker side to Monroe that many people have heard about, but perhaps have never seen. Williams paints a tragic portrait to the secret life of Monroe, but does so in a way that evokes more sympathy towards her than I would have expected. Even if I may not be the biggest Eddie Redmayne fan, as I feel his characters have a tendency to blur together, his on screen chemistry with Williams is truly great. His character is respectful and caring to Monroe when many were not, and becomes a bit of an unsung hero to her in many ways.

It's no secret to anyone who knows me, that I am a sucker for movies about making movies; especially if they are based in the days of classic Hollywood. So with that in mind, I went into this film already assuming I was going to enjoy it. Even with my biased outlook aside, this is an entertaining film. It's not just the time period, though that is an excellent aspect to it, but the performances, writing, and pacing of the entire movie that is so great. It's not a cheerful film by any means, but it is certainly a captivating one. Just from the opening alone, it is clear it is going to be an impressive movie. The start of the film consists of Redmayne's character sitting in a theater watching a picture starring none other than Monroe herself, and the movie's point of view switches from Colin watching the screen to Monroe looking out of it as if she were on the film set or trapped within the scene. A definitely unique and creative way to start a movie about the film industry.

If the facts the movie states are true, it really unlocks a bit of the mystery of Marilyn Monroe and increases the viewer's desire to learn more about the conflicted star. She was known for her antics on sets, but My Week With Marilyn makes you wonder how much of that was supposedly an act versus how much of it she was almost forced or wheedled into. Some of the best scenes in the film are when Judi Dench's character, Dame Sybil Thorndike, becomes one of the few people show to show a kindness to Monroe. Those moments sadly don't fill the film, but their rarity make them all the more special. It also shows the sheer overwhelming nature of being so recognizable. One watch through the movie and it's a wonder how any person of that level of fame dares to walk out in public.

I don't think we'll ever know the true story behind Marilyn Monroe, but My Week With Marilyn certainly gives a brief glance into the complicated and mysterious existence of one of the most prolific stars in the history of Hollywood.