Review of My Week with Marilyn (2011) by Ty P — 29 Dec 2012

This is a perfect example when even though an actress looks nothing like the biographical person she's portraying, recreates the spirit of her just enough that it doesn't matter. Michelle channels the deeper longings of Monroe's; to be a better actress, always looking to please others and educate herself. The little scene where she whispers to the awestruck Redmayne "Should I be "her"?" is all at once a magical moment when she turns "Marilyn" on for the fans but at the same time bittersweet because in that moment we see how cognicent Monroe was of herself, her image and just how good an actress she really was.

Michelle got down her wounded, childlike quality. Although I feel the film itself could've explored a bit more of Monroe's state of mind, her turmoils, her true desire to be a better actress and how hard she studied etc...I think this film concentrates more on Redmayne's POV and how the public saw a glamorized version of her. This film, through Redmayne's eyes, lifts the curtain just enough that we see more of the real woman beneath and not a ditzy blonde. So, I can't fault the film too much seeing as it was meant to merely brush against the real Marilyn and plant the seed of what real drama was going on behind the scenes in her personal and professional life. Kenneth Branagh is a revelation as Olivier, which is what he has been compared to as this generation's Sir Laurence. He gets the actors intonations down to a tee and also his near flaming love /hate relationship with Mariyln, as she was the rather undependable at the time of shooting The Prince and the Showgirl. One scene in his dressing room in particular as he reflects on himself, Marylin and showbiz is a magical piece of filmmaking and truth. Julia Ormond also does a wonderful supporting yet small role as the elegant Vivien Leigh.