My Week with Marilyn

[Windyridge]

Sometime a British film hits the target. For me this hits the bullseye! Best British film I've seen since An Education.

The cast are excellent. Michelle Williams captures all the insecurities of Monroe and the sensitivity. Kenneth Branagh, who I must admit I've never reall enjoyed watching, is terrific as Olivier, encapsulating all the frustrations he must have endured making The Prince and The Showgirl.The lead, Eddie Redmayne is very good and the supporting cast including an unrecognisable Dougray Scott as Arthur Miller with Dominic Coper giving another very good performance as Marilyn's agent. I have yet to see him give anything else, he really is a good actor.

The production really captures the feel of the time, how bad can it be going behind the scenes at Pinewood in the 1950's?? Afficionados of this site, I am sure will appreciate many of the nuances. I loved it.


9.5 out of 10

Haven't seen it yet. What is the portrayal of Vivien Leigh like and does she feature much?

[Tigon Man]

Looking forward to seeing this one next week. Can't wait to see how they portray Dicky Wattis!

[CaptainWaggett]

Haven't seen it yet. What is the portrayal of Vivien Leigh like and does she feature much?

She's only in one scene, IIRC, in which she as slightly acerbic about not getting the film gig having played Marilyn's role on Broadway.

[Chevyman]

Saw this last week and was absolutely spellbound by it. My real reason for going was to see just what Kenneth Branagh did with the part of Laurence Olivier ( I thought he nailed it!). I hadn't researched the cast to any great extent beforehand, so I was amazed to see how many solid British actors just kept appearing one after the other!

Michelle Williams really hit the mark. Many years ago, I read a biography of Marylyn Monroe and to me, it would have been a challenging role for anyone to take on but Ms Collins shone as did the director. I suppose the character had to be glamourised to an extent but in this case as Merton Park pointed out earlier, her vulnerability came across in varying degrees throughout every scene?

I will be seeking this one out a few months from now when it is released on DVD because I would love to have it in my collection.

[Windyridge]

She's only in one scene, IIRC, in which she as slightly acerbic about not getting the film gig having played Marilyn's role on Broadway.

Thanks Cap'n. Still haven't seent the darn thing. Was hoping it would arrive as a Bafta Screener, but it hasn't....

[Brief Encounter]

I'd have said Vivien was in about three scenes - certainly not just one, anyway.

I saw the film yesterday. Quite an enjoyable way to pass the time, but it felt a bit like a TV movie; the story wasn't really strong enough for a cinematic release, IMO. Can't grumble about the performances - Michelle Williams reminded me of Renee Zellwegger in Chicago (maybe she was second choice). Nice period detail, too. Don't think it's strong enough for awards season, but as an insight into 1950s filmmaking, it fits the bill.

[Ray]

She's only in one scene, IIRC, in which she as slightly acerbic about not getting the film gig having played Marilyn's role on Broadway.

Vivien never went to Broadway with The Sleeping Prince, it opened at the Phoenix Theatre, Charing Cross Road in November 1953, and ran until July 1954.

[Hugo]

The Sleeping Prince opened on Broadway on 1st November 1956 at the Coronet Theatre. Starring and directed by Michael Redgrave with Barabara Bel Geddes as the showgirl. It ran for 60 performances.

[Sgt Sunshine]

Ohmigawd! I find myself in almost total agreement with a Daily Mail columnist!!!!

He's probably a fraud.......

Michelle is also a member of my elite "sub-godesses".....



Cheers
Sgt S

ps what better way to celebrate my 5,000th post....

[CaptainWaggett]

Vivien never went to Broadway with The Sleeping Prince, it opened at the Phoenix Theatre, Charing Cross Road in November 1953, and ran until July 1954.

You are correct but I think they mentioned Viv on Broadway in the film. Though now I've hit my forties I'm not actually sure of anything anymore

[Steve Crook]

You are correct but I think they mentioned Viv on Broadway in the film. Though now I've hit my forties I'm not actually sure of anything anymore

The brain goes into a steep decline once you reach your 40s

Steve

[Windyridge]

The brain goes into a steep decline once you reach your 40s Steve

I'm sure I've just read that somewhere, but can't quite put my finger on where.....

[Windthrop]

Watched the film last night on DVD. Brannagh and Williams are superb, in fact I think it is the best performance I have seen Ken give. How accurate it was I don't know but it was an entertaining speculation on what was happening on set. Certain obvious liberties were taken and no mention was made of VL's mental health issues. Scott's Miller was a cypher and I did initially recognise Richard Wattis.

[Windyridge]

no mention was made of VL's mental health issues.

That was another story and wouldn't have been relevant in this film. My objection to the portrayal of VL was Julia Ormond looking much older and far less beautiful than VL was at the time.

[RogerThornhill]

That was another story and wouldn't have been relevant in this film. My objection to the portrayal of VL was Julia Ormond looking much older and far less beautiful than VL was at the time.

Perhaps that was intentional so that, by comparison, Michelle Williams could look younger and more attractive as Marilyn?

[Windthrop]

Perhaps that was intentional so that, by comparison, Michelle Williams could look younger and more attractive as Marilyn?

I'd go along with that. The Archie Rice speech was an intentional anachronism but worked within the context of the narrative.

[Windyridge]

Perhaps that was intentional so that, by comparison, Michelle Williams could look younger and more attractive as Marilyn?

Possibly, but more likely they couldn't get the perfect casting as it was such a small part.

[Steve Crook]

Possibly, but more likely they couldn't get the perfect casting as it was such a small part.

A great man (Michael Powell) once said that there are no small parts. There are just parts that mean that some people are on screen longer than other people or who have more to say or do that other people. If you're anywhere on screen you have the power to mess up the shot. Big stars have the power to get bums on seats but once those bums are on those seats then everyone on screen is of equal importance.

Steve

[Windyridge]

A great man (Michael Powell) once said that there are no small parts. There are just parts that mean that some people are on screen longer than other people or who have more to say or do that other people. If you're anywhere on screen you have the power to mess up the shot. Big stars have the power to get bums on seats but once those bums are on those seats then everyone on screen is of equal importance.

Steve

If only that sentiment was shared by their agents... but I can assure you, it isn't. Believe me there are still small parts according to them.

[Steve Crook]

If only that sentiment was shared by their agents... but I can assure you, it isn't. Believe me there are still small parts according to them.

That's one of the many ways in which Powell was a great man. Everyone involved in the making of one of his films was important, be they cast or crew, if they had a fancy title or not. They were all important because they all made a contribution. The Archers were a great collaboration of many people, all trying to do the best work possible

Steve