On Marilyn Monroe’s 95th birthday, we have rounded up a list of documentaries based on the life of the Hollywood Icon
Marilyn Monroe's statue outside a movie theatre in Key West, Florida USA in 2018. Pic/iStock
Among the most famous celebrities on the planet, Marilyn Monroe has continued to capture the imagination of audiences across generations. Monroe attained major success starring as the comedic blonde in the 1950s while her beauty and personal life received much attention. An inspiration to many prominent artists including Andy Warhol, Monroe became a major figure in pop culture, appearing in various mediums, from film to silkscreen. Her premature death, at 36, only piqued the curiosity of fans and fuelled the myth of Marilyn Monroe. On what would have been the actress’ 95th birthday, we have rounded up a list of documentaries based on her life.
Norma Jean & Marilyn (1996)
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Several accounts in print and film have tried to portray different aspects of Marilyn Monroe’s life. The narrative follows Marilyn’s life right from her early days when she was known as Norma Jean to her Hollywood success. The biographical TV-movie gives fans a peep into her mind and personal struggles through a dramatic lens. In an offbeat attempt to bring to starkly portray the contrasting aspects of Monroe’s life, actresses Ashley Judd and Mira Sorvino played Norma Jean and her alter ego Monroe. Both actresses received Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy nominations for their acts.
Love, Marilyn (2012)
Two boxes of Marilyn Monroe's writings, including diaries and poems, were discovered fifty years after her demise at her acting coach Lee Strasberg’s home. While much has been said about Marilyn, the documentary gives viewers a rare first-hand account of her fascinating mind through dramatic readings by actors, authors, film critics, and journalists. The lengthy letters and handwritten notes reveal her multidimensional personality beyond the silver screen or the tabloids. Combining archival footage as well as a number of interviews with noteworthy actors such as Glenn Close and Viola Davis, the documentary is poised to serve fans well.
Marilyn Monroe Declassified (2016)
The documentary re-examines her story through original interviews and a wide variety of archival footage. The high points of the documentary are the declassified CIA and FBI documents associated with her untimely demise, which have been at the centre of many debates as well as conspiracy theories for decades. Featuring news footage, key archival interviews, and historic testimonies (including Senate crime hearings), the documentary tries to present fans of Monroe, a slice of hidden history.
Marilyn Monroe: Auction of a Lifetime (2017)
The documentary features an auction of Marilyn’s personal possessions that have become most coveted post her demise. Die hard fans of Monroe get to see some of her most popular dresses including the beaded dress worn by her on President John F Kennedy’s birthday. Effectively jumping between grainy footage, breathy narration, and present-day shots, the 47-minute documentary makes for a fascinating watch.
My Week with Marilyn (2011)
Although not a documentary, My Week with Marilyn is the most highly acclaimed biographical movie about the Hollywood star. Based on two books by filmmaker and author Colin Clark, the film takes viewers to the sets of Marilyn Monroe- starrer ‘The Prince and the Showgirl’ (1957). Shooting in London, Marilyn is escorted by Clark post her husband Arthur Miller’s return to the United States. Viewers see a glimpse of Marilyn’s inner turmoil through their interactions as they spend an increasing amount of time together through the week. For her impeccable act, Michelle Williams received a Best Actress nomination at the Academy Awards.
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