Suffice it to say that Michelle Williams delivers an Oscar-winning performance. Her accomplishment will remain a screen siren. For one second, I thought Marilyn Monroe passed in 1962 at a tender age of only 36, but there she was – in all her seriousness, sensitivity, fragility and splendor – in full view, driving an animated and troubled Michelle Williams.
The vehicle is director Simon Curtis’ thoughtful adaptation of Colin Clark’s diaries. At the age of 23, Clark worked as third assistant director to Laurence Olivier for his 1956 romantic comedy The Prince and the Showgirl.
The film came between Bus Stop, (1956) and the all-time classic screwball comedy Some Like it Hot, (1959). Eddie Redmayne movingly portrays Colin, the star-struck young Brit who momentarily wins the heart of the most sensual creature in his world while serving as Marilyn’s hand-picked liaison to the British theatrical world she encroaches upon with the aid of her acting coach, Paula Strasberg.
If you imagined that this will be a dull tribute to Marilyn Monroe, then you are grossly mistaken. I was neither captivated by My Week with Marilyn at first. I am, perhaps one of those people out there who have heard so much about Marilyn, and perchance seen a couple of her movies, but haven’t really connected with the aura her name evokes amongst her beloved fans.
However, by the end of this film, I must admit that I was completely engrossed in the romance of the two leads (Michelle Williams and Eddie Redmayne), the performances by all, and the tale of Marilyn Monroe’s first trip to England.
As gorgeous as Marilyn herself, Michelle Williams was an exciting embodiment. Permit me to say the least – like I have already admitted – I can’t say I knew exactly who Marilyn Monroe was, really, except for my long admired movie in Some Like It Hot and I can’t claim that I know about the lady now, but Gad – whoever she was, whatever she was, however she lived her life – whenever I saw Michelle Williams in those very shots, I was inundated with sheer admiration, perhaps affection, and complete respect for Marilyn Monroe and her talent.
This film proves that no matter how legendary the subject matter may be, with the right cast and crew, Hollywood is capable of actually doing some justice in bringing to life the world of a beloved icon.
What sets Michelle Williams apart from the rest in competition for the best actress in the next Academy Awards is her effortless evocation of the tragic icon’s fragile layers of insecurity and hopeless romanticism that causes her to slip into fits of manic depression.
In addition, and besides the equally effective charming dance number that Williams reenacts from the film within the film, her stronghold is the attention-grabbing set piece concert of the climatic rendition of That Old Black Magic song. This is what transports My Week With Marilyn into the unmatched territory of erotic euphoria that Monroe may have stirred in the hearts of all, and perhaps the libidos of men.
It is where Michelle’s indelible mark is left forever printed on the hearts and minds of the fans of Marilyn Monroe.
Therefore, missing that old coveted Oscar in the upcoming 84th Academy Awards will be as heartbreaking as Williams’ own magical transformation into the tragic icon in Marilyn Monroe, since for such a difficult role, there couldn’t be a more perfect execution that can ever leave you never questioning for a moment, an uncanny performance.
Director: Simon Curtis
Writers: Adrian Hodges, Colin Clark (books)
Stars: Michelle Williams, Eddie Redmayne and Kenneth Branagh
Yo, i know, Michelle was really good in this movie. I like her a lot. I can’t imagine someone else playing Marilyn Monroe.
I had my money’s worth, what can I say? I never really cared for the lady, Marilyn, but I can see why people are crazy about her image. Michelle definitely gave a good account of themselves but I think this year has had some very strong performances.It will be tough.
I like it too :).
And who knew Michelle Williams could sing! Surprised me in a good way.
wow, what a great review. i need to check this out.
Michelle has no screen presence. Marilyn had an essence and sexuality that
was very passionate. Michelle acts like she is pretending to be Marilyn Monroe at
some talent show.
The script chose to follow Colin’s one week on the set with Marilyn Monroe and their brief flirtation/affair which itself is memorialized in his autobiography devoted to that week. However, through a few factors which may not be apparent from the script’s pages, neither Colin nor Marilyn is the most interesting character in the movie. This credit belongs solely to Sir Laurence Olivier (Kenneth Branagh). It is 1956 and Olivier confides to Colin that he no longer feels young and decided to cast Marilyn in his film to recapture some of his lost youth and maybe even engage in his own affair with her.