My Week with Marilyn directed by Simon Curtis is based on the diary accounts of Colin Clark on the sets of the 1957 movie The Prince and the Showgirl. In the screen version, Colin Clark(Eddie Redmayne) becomes a third assistant to Lawrence Olivier(Kenneth Branagh) on Vivien Leigh(Julia Ormond)'s recommendation. There he impresses both Lawrence and also the leading lady from America, Marilyn Monroe(Michelle Williams).
The movie tells the story of the talented and remarkable actress who is unsure of many things. She is looking constantly for feedback of her performance. Because of her fragile nature and mental instability, she rubs the lead actor the wrong way. Simon Curtis succeeds in bringing out the drama, the conflict and the pathos of different characters during the shooting of the movie. The theme of 1957 Olivier-Monroe movie is comedy. But the making was definitely not a pleasant experience, at least initially. This is the part which engages the viewer. On the whole, Simon manages to give the viewer a movie which is worth watching. The cast is mostly British. So you can see Judi Dench, Derek Jacobi and Emma Watson among other major ones.
Performance wise, Michelle Williams dominates with her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe. Because of her acting, the viewer is not just able to label Marilyn. She still remains an enigma. You can glimpse all shades in her performance - purity, innocence, frivolity and even cunning - without any particular characteristic dominating the performance. It is a walk on a tight rope and Michelle does a wonderful job. Kenneth Branagh is clearly overshadowed as Lawrence Olivier. If there is someone standing up to Michelle, it is Judi Dench as Sybil Thorndike.
I wouldn't recommend this movie for the big screen. But this is definitely worth a watch.
Language: English
Genre: Drama
Rating: ***
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