OK for kids 16+
Appealing Monroe drama has strong language, some sexuality.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this engrossing movie based on the memoirs of writer-director Colin Clark isn't so much a biopic as a window into a week of Marilyn Monroe's life as interpreted by Clark. It's not a salacious account, but there are hints at how the icon traded on her sexuality (complete with a couple of glimpses of Monroe, as played by Michelle Williams, naked from behind). You can also expect plenty of smoking, cocktail drinking, and swearing (including "f--k" and "s--t").
- Families can talk about why Marilyn Monroe continues to be an icon. What is her lasting appeal? Can she be considered a role model?
- Does Monroe seem aware of her magic in this movie? Does the film advance her status as an icon or demystify her in any way? How?
- Do you think it's necessary for movies set in the 1950s to include lots of smoking and drinking? Why or why not?
The good stuff
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Messages: The movie's main message is that you don't always need to look for adventure; sometimes, it finds you. All you need to do is let yourself experience it.
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Role models: The film is based on Colin Clark's memoirs and is told from his point of view. This helps make him a sympathetic figure, one who's able to look past Marilyn's blinding fame and beauty and connect with the person underneath the facade. An older actress treats Marilyn with kindness and patience and encourages everyone else to do so, too. Monroe herself is portrayed as a mix of vulnerability, sadness and kindness, but well aware of her power.
What to watch for
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Violence: Arguments.
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Sex: A man catches a glimpse of a woman as she's getting out of the shower (viewers see her naked from behind). She's also seen, her backside visible, walking into a lake to go skinny-dipping. She's married but kisses a man who's not her husband. Some references to married people having affairs.
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Language: Words including "f--k," "s--t," "t-ts," "hell," "damn," and "ass" are used several times. Also "for God's sake," etc. as exclamations.
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Consumerism: No heavy-handed label-dropping, but there's an awareness of how celebrities are commodified.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Plenty of period-accurate smoking and drinking. Marilyn is also shown pill-popping (and her associates discuss needing to give her pills).
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Oscar, thy name is Michelle Williams by PECurls
What a great job Michelle Williams does portraying Marilyn in this flick! I can't think of another actress this year who is more deserving of the golden statuette. As a matter of fact, this movie is another film that enforces the need for an Ensemble Award from the Academy. Everyone was superb! Kenneth Branagh, always; Eddie Redmayne, memorable; Dame Judy Dench, what can I say?
The film was enjoyable and at 99 minutes, one of my faves of the year : -)
4
As good as it gets by Douglaughs
An great story turned into an extremely well-made movie. The characters were perfect, although Brannaugh (or was it Olivier) did chew the scenery here and there. It is hard to see how this film could be improved upon, unless it would be to give some more of Marilyn's back story to make her a bit more sympathetic. As a clash-of-cultures, clash-of-titans story, however, this is about as good as it gets.
4
Very good movie by STEVOCOL100
The movie has a very classical setting... Reminded me a little of the settig for the Great Gatsby movie... The story is very well written and the actors are excellent! I thought I was actually seeing the real Marilyn Monroe on screen... I would go see it again...
5
It was a great movie! by dianneb23999
Michelle Williams portrayal of Marilyn Monroe was spectacular. The movie was very touching. I highly recommend seeing this one. Eddie Redmayne was outstanding as well. It is so nice to go see a movie that is acted so well. You can tell that Michelle Williams really cares about her craft. I am a huge MM fan and Michelle was terrific.
4
My Evening With Marilyn by manolotheman
I thought the movie had great performances with Michelle Williams?who captured that sexy, charming, big-Hollywood-star way Marilyn had?Kenneth Branagh, and Eddie Redmayne, and of course Dame Judy Dench. There were very touching scenes, and it brought back vivid memories of a time long gone. The story did not move me as much as I expected, and the depth of the characters was just deep enough. But all in all, it was great to see this movie on the big screen.
5
MIchelle Williams was...flawless! by sumkndof1derful
I LOVED this film. The first time I was introduced to Marilyn Monroe was when I took my film classes and had to do a paper on "Some Like it Hot". Then, I wanted to watch other films of Marilyn like "The Seven Year Itch". I've never seen the original of "The Prince and the Showgirl" but I am now.
I was a huge MIchelle Williams fan when she was in "Dawson's Creek" and back then I knew that she would be a perfect Marilyn but I don't think she was ready and too young to play the part. With her husband's death and some maturity, she was made for this role and did it justice.
I plan on buying this on DVD so if you haven't seen it, go see this film. It's definitely worth it. OH! And Kenneth Branaugh was excellent also.
5
My Week with Marilyn by Starywonder__64
This film, for me, was OUTSTANDING. It brought back alot of memories, for when I first saw THE PRIINCE AND THE SHOWGIRL, I was only 14. The film,at that age, went right over my head. In fact, the only reason to go to this film was to see Marilyn Monre. MY WEEK WITH MARILYN gave me GOOD CHILLS running down my spine and brought TEARS to my eyes during the last half of the film. And, knowing how she left this world forever, when I first heard of her passing on that Summer morning, standiing by a Howard Johnson Restaurant dish-washing machine in Gettysburg, PA, I felt a truly gifted, but terribly troubled star, had only left us all far behind in a glimmering glow of starlight, lasting, for some, our entire lives. This film was an enchantment full of beauty,compassion, truth and LOVE. A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT with an extraordinary cast, within a time capsule of perfect depiction, and a stupendous
performance by Michele Williams as Marilyn.
4
More than a Superstar by wizinit
I went to see Marilyn after reading Harvey Weinstein's account of how he convinced his family it was worth making. For those born since her death, this movie brings Marilyn to life and exposes her complexities that were far more intricate than than the tabloid foibles and legend that has survived. For those who remember seeing Marilyn's movies and following her life while she was alive, this biographical snippet captures the persona; but you may be a bit disappointed that the actors portraying Olivier and Monroe cannot quite match their glamour. However, the story is told nicely in a first-person account by the young man who had this incredible experience. I strongly suggest for those who have not seen or do not recall The Prince and the Showgirl, the making of which is the central theme of this movie, that you do so first. It is a great movie that never quite caught on. Same for the Some Like It Hot and The Entertainer, which Monroe and Olivier filmed after this.
5
I'm old fashioned, but I don't mind it by iknowbest
What an absolutely unadulterated delight. Brilliant acting all around. Williams is terrific, Redmayne wonderful. ( Is Judi Dench in everything? Well, that is not so bad, either.) Great story and the seeds of tragedy are well sown, but this interlude is heaven on earth.
4
My Week With Marilyn by budleybear
Kudos to both Michele and Kenneth for a superb acting job. Very much enjoyed learning about Marilyn and the difficulties she went through in life. I think I would like to read more about her in the book. I didn't laugh or cry - just sad for her. Excellent film and should be one of the best films of the year.