I never really had much interest in seeing this movie. I am not a person who thinks Marilyn Monroe is one of the greatest actresses of all time, and I ASSUMED the film was some sort of tribute to her. However, this really isn't what the film turned out to be. While it did have to do with the actress, it was not some sort of schmaltzy bio-pic--it had meat to it. And, incidentally, some darn fine acting.
The movie is specifically about the production of the movie "The Prince and the Showgirl". The star/director, Laurence Olivier, did NOT like working with Monroe and found her very temperamental and unprofessional--and he voiced great regret for having done the movie with her. This isn't in the film--this is part of movie history (some of which can be found in the IMDb trivia for that film). However, what "My Week With Marilyn" helps the viewer to understand is what was occurring and why. While Marilyn was a mess and slowed production to a crawl, you see in the film is isn't because of any malevolence on her part--just a lot of baggage, insecurity and mental illness. I never particularly cared about her before--but as I watched Michelle Williams play her, I found myself on the verge of tears several times--she was a very gifted but sadly damaged young lady.
What I liked about the film was just about everything. I loved the colors chosen for the film--lots of muted colors (such as khaki) to give it a 1950s look. I loved the interesting script based on Colin Clark's book. I particularly the acting--Williams and Kenneth Branagh (as Olivier) were exceptional---such that I soon forgot that they were not the actual actors. Marvelous and I particularly am pulling for Williams with her Best Actress nomination--she was just dynamite. Well worth seeing--particularly for folks like me who are classic movie fans and have seen "The Prince and the Showgirl".
The movie is specifically about the production of the movie "The Prince and the Showgirl". The star/director, Laurence Olivier, did NOT like working with Monroe and found her very temperamental and unprofessional--and he voiced great regret for having done the movie with her. This isn't in the film--this is part of movie history (some of which can be found in the IMDb trivia for that film). However, what "My Week With Marilyn" helps the viewer to understand is what was occurring and why. While Marilyn was a mess and slowed production to a crawl, you see in the film is isn't because of any malevolence on her part--just a lot of baggage, insecurity and mental illness. I never particularly cared about her before--but as I watched Michelle Williams play her, I found myself on the verge of tears several times--she was a very gifted but sadly damaged young lady.
What I liked about the film was just about everything. I loved the colors chosen for the film--lots of muted colors (such as khaki) to give it a 1950s look. I loved the interesting script based on Colin Clark's book. I particularly the acting--Williams and Kenneth Branagh (as Olivier) were exceptional---such that I soon forgot that they were not the actual actors. Marvelous and I particularly am pulling for Williams with her Best Actress nomination--she was just dynamite. Well worth seeing--particularly for folks like me who are classic movie fans and have seen "The Prince and the Showgirl".