Review of Blonde (2022) by Davidnarloch — 30 Sep 2022
This film is the victim of inaccurate expectations. A lot of very basic people with mainstream tastes are clicking on it because it's ostensibly about Marilyn Monroe and then leaving low IQ reviews. Most of the criticisms of this film are attacking it for failing to be what it never was: a realistic biopic.
It's called 'Blonde', not 'The Marilyn Monroe Story'. It's not meant to be a traditional fleshed-out biography, so steer clear if that's what you're looking for. It is the (often nightmarish) subjective experience of someone who, despite achieving the apex of fame and public adoration, committed suicide after a life of trauma.
The film seeks the reasons for that; so yes, it's dark and intense--as it should be. Anyone who's been an addict or suffered mental illness will probably relate. Great performances and gorgeously dreamlike cinematography create precise tones and moods.
It's obnoxious to see all the reviewers calling the film exploitative for putting Ana de Armas' body on display--the real Monroe was unashamed of her body and frequently nude in her public and private life so it's hardly gratuitous to depict that important reality of her personality.
In an interview she said "we are all born sexual creatures, thank God. It's a pity so many people despise and crush this natural gift." Maybe because it's rated NC-17, people are expecting an erotic thriller, but anyone just watching this for cheap titillation will click off after 10 minutes.
If you don't have the mental fortitude for a 3 hour art film, go choose from the wide array of generic Hollywood product that's out there for you.
This review of Blonde (2022) was written by Davidnarloch on 30 Sep 2022.
Blonde has generally received mixed reviews.
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