Blonde on Netflix

by Rebecca Bynum

The new Marilyn Monroe biopic on Netflix is excellent in my opinion and Netflix should be commended for bucking woke Hollywood in releasing this now.

Based on the novel by Joyce Carol Oates and adapted for the screen by the director, Andrew Dominik, this is heart wrenching drama at its best. Ana de Armas gives a superb performance as Marilyn, played with scrupulous attention to her voice and mannerisms, but with great depth and emotional range as well. I can’t imagine a better Marilyn. Adrien Brody plays Arthur Miller and Bobby Cannavale plays Joe DiMaggio – both are excellent in these roles. Julianne Nicholson gives a searing performance as Norma Jean’s psychotic mother. David Warshovsky gives a fine nuanced performance as Marilyn’s studio “handler.”

Oates and Dominik portray Marilyn as being terribly hurt by not having a father in her life and his absence haunts her throughout the film. Secondly, they portray the trauma of abortion incredibly well.  Bringing this film out in the middle of our ongoing abortion debate is very courageous and Netflix will undoubtedly take heat for it. Bravo.

There are many dream and dream-like sequences illustrating Marilyn’s inner life which are very well done. The cinematography is first rate and there is not a false note from any of the actors.

The second golden age of television is here.

Caveat: This film is not for children. It is also quite long. I watched it over two nights, but that didn’t diminish the emotional impact.