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 : -)
5
Simply Beautiful by inkongirl
Kenneth Branagh channeling Sir Laurence Olivier is worth the price of admission. This entire film is well done, glossy, and much more entertaining than the actual Prince and Showgirl movie (although that's worth a second watch after seeing this). Go and see this movie, and fall in love with Marilyn, just like Colin did.
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.
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
Gentlemen Prefer Marilyn! by professorxfm
Saw this after Thanksgiving dinner with my guests. Everyone loved it. The title says it all, and it covers an interesting chapter in Marilyn's life. It gives us an insight into how vulnerable and frustrating she could be, and how she tried to battle her demons, while trying to manage the public persona with the real person she was. The cinematography is excellent, the acting is perfect, and the cast is excellent. Michelle not only resembles Marilyn, she has her gestures down pat, that at times, you forget you are not seeing the real Marilyn on screen. My sister was right. You will want to go out and either get the book to discover more, or will go out to rent "The Prince and The Showgirl" to compare the two movies. The buzz is right. Michelle deserves the award for best actress.
5
MIchelle Williams was...flawless! by phimualpha0498
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
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.
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.
3
My Week with Marilyn. by izi
A boring film.T he main actress "saves the day"by bringing some life to an,otherwise uninteresting show.Her performance reminds that of the original Marilyn,and the spectator is left"confused"between imagination and reality.