Hannah McGuire
Executive Arts Editor
Portraying a legendary figure is always a challenge. The actor must delve into their personal life to know their mannerisms, personality and weaknesses extremely well. Michelle Williams’ transformation into Marilyn Monroe is done with utter perfection and grace, making “My Week with Marilyn” a touching and entertaining film.
Director Simon Curtis impeccably examines not only the tired life of Monroe, but also the growing up of a young aspiring filmmaker learning about the industry with the help of the glamorous actress. The movie sheds light on who Monroe really was: a helpless and self-conscious woman trying to survive the demanding Hollywood life. William’s brilliance combined with the supporting cast and incredible setting makes “My Week with Marilyn” a heartfelt, must -see film.
In the summer of 1956, Colin Clark (Eddie Redmayne) gets a job as third assistant director for the film “The Prince and the Showgirl,” staring Monroe. From the start of production, Monroe is not confident about her abilities as an actress. To make matters worse, her husband, Arthur Miller, returns to New York, leaving the “It-girl” feeling abandoned.
In search of a companion, Monroe finds Clark to be charming and knows he will distract her from the pressures of her everyday life. Clark is immediately under her spell and at her beck and call, but Monroe’s erratic behavior proves to be a dampener on their relationship and those around them.
Redmayne plays the naïve and eager Clark terrifically as he becomes quickly mesmerized by Monroe and Hollywood itself. Clark’s compassion towards Monroe makes the audience want their childish affair to grow into one of true love, despite knowing this will never occur. Williams exposes Monroe’s insecurities, making the audience remember that she was human too, despite her incredible fame.
Supporting actors Judi Dench and Kenneth Branagah add charisma and poise to the already noteworthy film. Dench plays a supporting actress in “The Prince and the Showgirl,” and shows Monroe encouraging and heartwarming kindness. As the other star and director of “The Prince and the Showgirl,” Branagah brings out the worst in Monroe, revealing her imperfections even more. Emma Watson and Dominic Cooper, although with smaller roles, evoke strong emotions from the audience as they struggle with the pains that Monroe causes them.
The most standout performance is Williams as Monroe. Not only does Williams look like a spitting image of the icon, but her smooth and tranquil voice entrances the audience, just how Monroe’s did. William’s proves her versatility as she captures Monroe’s perfections and also her flaws, making the film more about her struggles than her well known successes. Williams is simply magical on screen showing audiences that Monroe was much more than just a pretty face.
The setting of “My Week with Marilyn” served to improve the movie that much more. The beauty of England is unbelievable; Hollywood might be glamorous, but England is even more so. While Monroe and Clark travel in the countryside it becomes almost easy to stop watching Monroe and explore the rolling grasses, willowy trees and ancient architecture. With the natural light bouncing off Monroe, it is hard to believe that so much exquisiteness could be captured in one scene.
The 1950s were nothing without fashion, and the film’s costume designer, Jill Taylor, deserves great praise for bringing that aspect of the time alive. Williams embodies Monroe in each of her outfits, with the most memorable being a white, floor- length embroidered gown. Even for casual dress, the women all appear effortlessly elegant.
Whether a Monroe fan or not, “My Week with Marilyn” will amuse and enthrall all audiences. The star-studded cast, breathtaking setting and incredible depiction of the time period makes for the most enjoyable movie-going experience.
“My Week with Marilyn” is rated R and is playing in select theaters nationwide.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJygETCXpR8
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