Blonde

I have "theories" of sorts as to why this movie is not going over well with the filmgoing public. This is NOT your every day, empty, run-of-the-mill, Wikipedia-entry-as-film style of "biographical cinema." It's what some call a more "artistic" take on the life of Marilyn Monroe, with a "shocking" shift in style and tone that may be a bit jarring for the average audience. Reactions have been angry as Blonde is not the comfortable, safe, viewing experience they're accustomed to. That alone can be disorienting, and unpleasant for many.

At the same time, audiences are capable and more than open to new styles and approaches to film. It's just that when it happens, the example provided has to be perfect, or it's going to lose the audience. With that said, I'd say this film reminds me very much of 'Wired,' the 1989 biographical film on John Belushi, based on the book of the same name. The film was very controversial on its release; widely panned and shunned by the public not because of its artistic merits, or lack thereof, but more about the "negative" portrayal the film gave its subject. The average audience prefers historical biographies to be positive, and not dwell too long on the darker sides of the subject's life. We go to the cinema to escape, and being shown the less desirable aspects of a well-liked and iconic American celebrity, that has passed away no less, is a tough watch. It's understandable, as humans generally want to remember the good memories of those who have passed on, especially when they're no longer here to defend themselves if need be.

As important: it seems we rarely, if ever get portrayals of Marilyn that show us when things weren't so dark and gloomy. Can this woman not catch a break even after she left us so long ago? I'm very sympathetic to that view and would agree. For example, the last 45 minutes of this film are quite intense, graphic in a very emotional way (less visual). My guess is it's the most polarizing section of the film - very raw, with both beautiful imagery, but also displaying questionable choices, in my view. At least if the filmmakers want as many people to see the film as possible, and in its entirety. Perhaps that's not the goal, and that's fair if so. It's just unclear what sort of audience they intend to reach by focusing so much on the low points of Norma Jeane Baker's life, because with better choices and some improved editing, I could see the average score for this be much higher than it is now (a sad 2.2 on Letterboxd at the time of writing this). Perhaps they hoped to make viewers uncomfortable, because I have to say, besides my initial bafflement of what was included, by the time the credits roll my sympathy for what Norma Jeane endured was and remains at an 11. Maybe that's part of the justice the filmmakers seek? The public acknowledgement that she deserved so much better when she was with us. 

As for 'Blonde' overall, I want to judge it on its merits as a film. It's gorgeously shot, it has its own rhythm and style, and it's well acted. Ana de Armas is excellent as Norma Jeane Baker and at moments it was surreal how much she looked like and embodied the public persona of Marilyn Monroe. Luckily de Armas has the acting chops to back it up. Very much so in fact - she deserves an Oscar nomination for this as it's not just an imitation - she lives it. Last but not least, the score from Nick Cave & Warren Ellis is outstanding and adds so much to the unique, overall style.

People will hate this. I get it. I wouldn't argue it, because one really has to be prepared for this one at times. It definitely makes some bad moves that I wouldn't dare defend. But overall I think this was unique, enjoyable (even clocking in at nearly 3 hours), and I walk away with more respect and admiration for her, what she did and what she went through. But let's give her a showcase for her talents, her humor, her humanity, and stop using her tragedy as entertainment, and the only thing we end up remembering her for.