Detailed Summary
Marilyn’s Troubled Childhood
The film begins with a heartbreaking portrayal of Norma Jeane Mortenson’s (Ana de Armas) childhood. Raised by a mentally unstable mother, Gladys (Julianne Nicholson), Norma endures traumatic experiences, including abandonment and abuse. The movie sets the tone for her tragic life, showing how these early experiences haunt her throughout her rise to fame.
The Birth of Marilyn Monroe
As Norma Jeane grows up and enters Hollywood, the film shows her transformation into the iconic Marilyn Monroe. However, it emphasizes the duality of her identity: Norma Jeane is depicted as a deeply vulnerable and insecure woman, while Marilyn is a constructed persona that she feels pressured to maintain.
The Rise and Fall in Hollywood
Marilyn’s journey to stardom is marred by exploitation, objectification, and manipulation. The film highlights key moments, such as her infamous casting couch experiences, tumultuous marriages, and struggles with substance abuse. Her relationships with powerful men—like her brief marriage to Joe DiMaggio (Bobby Cannavale) and playwright Arthur Miller (Adrien Brody)—are depicted as both loving and deeply troubled.
The Infamous “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” Performance
The film dramatizes the moment when Marilyn sings to President John F. Kennedy. The scene portrays her as drugged and exhausted, and her interactions with JFK are shown in a highly exploitative light, adding to the narrative of her degradation.
The Downward Spiral and Tragic End
As Marilyn’s mental health deteriorates, the movie showcases her increasing reliance on pills and alcohol. The film ends with her tragic death in 1962, portraying her as a lonely figure who was consumed by the pressures and tragedies of fame. The final scene blurs the line between Norma Jeane and Marilyn, emphasizing how the persona ultimately destroyed the person behind it.
Movie Ending
“Blonde” concludes with a haunting image of Marilyn Monroe lying lifeless in her bed, surrounded by the remnants of her self-destructive lifestyle. The final moments are dreamlike, emphasizing the tragic loss of Norma Jeane beneath the weight of the Marilyn persona. The ending serves as a commentary on the devastating effects of Hollywood’s commodification of women and fame.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “Blonde” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
“Blonde” is a psychological drama with elements of biographical fiction. It’s a dark, surreal exploration of fame, identity, and trauma, more akin to an art-house film than a traditional biopic.
Cast
- Ana de Armas as Marilyn Monroe / Norma Jeane Mortenson
- Adrien Brody as Arthur Miller
- Bobby Cannavale as Joe DiMaggio
- Julianne Nicholson as Gladys Pearl Baker
- Xavier Samuel as Cass Chaplin
- Evan Williams as Eddy G. Robinson Jr.
Film Music and Composer
Nick Cave and Warren Ellis composed the film’s score. The music is haunting, atmospheric, and complements the film’s surreal, dreamlike tone, often heightening the emotional intensity and tragedy of the scenes.
Filming Locations
- Los Angeles, California: Key scenes captured Marilyn’s rise and fall against the authentic backdrop of Hollywood and its surrounding areas.
- Venice Beach: Used for some of the beach scenes that reflect Marilyn’s more carefree, yet vulnerable moments.
These locations are important in capturing the dual nature of Hollywood’s allure and darkness.
Awards and Nominations
- Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama (Ana de Armas).
- Academy Awards: Ana de Armas was nominated for Best Actress.
- Venice Film Festival: Nominated for the Golden Lion.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Ana de Armas spent several months perfecting Marilyn’s voice and mannerisms, working closely with a dialect coach.
- The film’s director, Andrew Dominik, faced significant challenges with the production, including delays and controversies due to the movie’s graphic content.
- The film’s NC-17 rating sparked debates, with some viewers finding it exploitative, while others praised its unflinching portrayal of Monroe’s trauma.
Inspirations and References
- Source Material: The movie is based on Joyce Carol Oates’ novel “Blonde,” which is a fictionalized take on Marilyn Monroe’s life rather than a straightforward biography.
- Visual Style: The film draws inspiration from classic Hollywood cinema and avant-garde filmmaking, using a mix of color and black-and-white sequences to blur the line between reality and fantasy.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There’s no information about alternate endings or major deleted scenes, but the movie does include a lot of artistic, symbolic sequences that depart from traditional storytelling.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The movie takes significant liberties, leaning heavily into fiction rather than a factual account of Marilyn Monroe’s life. While the book also blurs reality and fiction, the film further amplifies this approach, making it more of a psychological portrait than a biographical recount.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Marilyn’s Audition: Her early audition, where she embodies the Marilyn persona for the first time, is a poignant look at the beginning of her dual identity.
- “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” Performance: The performance is depicted as a surreal, nightmarish sequence that reflects her mental unraveling.
- The JFK Scene: A controversial and disturbing portrayal of her encounter with the president, shown in a nightmarish, degrading manner.
Iconic Quotes
- “Marilyn doesn’t exist. When I come out of my dressing room, I’m Norma Jeane. I’m still her when the camera’s rolling.”
- “They want Marilyn. I’m just trying to give them what they want.”
- “I don’t see me. I don’t see her.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The shifting aspect ratios and use of both black-and-white and color symbolize the different layers of Norma Jeane’s life and how they intertwine with her public persona.
- The film frequently alludes to iconic photos and scenes from Monroe’s real-life movies but often distorts them to emphasize the film’s surreal tone.
Trivia
- Initially, many doubted Ana de Armas due to her accent, but her dedication and transformation convinced numerous critics.
- The film was in development for over a decade, with multiple actresses and directors attached before Andrew Dominik finalized the project with de Armas.
- “Blonde” became the first NC-17-rated film to be released on a major streaming platform (Netflix).
Why Watch?
“Blonde” offers a visually striking and emotionally intense dive into the tragic life of Marilyn Monroe. It’s not a conventional biopic but rather an exploration of fame, identity, and trauma, challenging viewers with its unconventional narrative and artistic choices.
Director’s Other Movies
- The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
- Killing Them Softly (2012)
- Chopper (2000)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Black Swan (2010)
- Jackie (2016)
- Spencer (2021)
- The Neon Demon (2016)
- Blue Jasmine (2013)
