Review of My Week with Marilyn (2011) by Graça M — 20 Aug 2012

A reasonable little showbiz drama, based on the diary of Colin Clark, a third AD on Olivier's The Prince and the Showgirl who strikes up a fleeting, intimate friendship with Marilyn Monroe. The film mostly revolves around Michelle Williams, who does a fine job of going beyond impersonation to reveal both the crippling insecurities of the woman behind the glamorous mask, but also the magnetic charm and playful side that made her such a star in front of a camera.

There's some other good celeb turns, notaby Branagh as a gruff Olivier and Judi Dench as the charmingly wise Dame Thorndike and Zoe Wanamaker as the creepily doting acting coach Paula Strasberg. Redmayne is also good as Clark but his character is inevitably outshined by the object of his affection, fairly appropriate as it mirrors the plot.

The couple have quite a charming chemistry, and the relationship is believable, as is the inevitable brokenheart. All in all it's a slight fairly lightweight drama, but acted with commitment and fun to watch.