Gee Film Reviews

Grade C+

On paper, a biopic displaying the insecurities of Marilyn Monroe would ensue a solid and intriguing character study. Led by a solid independent actress, Michelle Williams, it would appear as if Simon Curtis’s My Week With Marilyn had a winning combination. Unfortunately, even with a solid premise and an award-worthy portrayal, Marilyn proves that a blemished script can undermine even the strongest of efforts.

Based on the memoirs of Colin Clark, My Week Is Marilyn is set during the filming of 1956’s The Prince and The Showgirl, the American icon’s first acting venture outside the states. When our protagonist, aspiring director Colin Clark (Eddie Redmayne), lands a job as an assistant to director Laurence Olivier (Kenneth Branagh), he unexpectedly develops a relationship with Marilyn Monroe (Michelle Williams); Where the film comments slightly on the motif of first love. The film essentially serves as a short diary entry focusing on Clark and his romantically ambiguous relationship with the American heartthrob. Trying to depict the naivety of love, the film never really explores it to a thought provoking level. Another aspect that is approached within the film, is Monroe’s insecurities about herself and the responsibility she faced by carrying her iconic persona. With somewhat antithetical plot frames, Curtis never settles on an appropriate tone. First focusing on Clark’s humorous attempt to break through the film industry and his naive approach to love, Marilyn gives an impression of a light hearted drama with comedic elements; Especially with Branagh’s quite funny portrayal of the smug Laurence Olivier. But when the film shift its focus to a character study of Marilyn Monroe, what should be dramatic and impacting, still remains to be approached with overly light accents.

While My Week Marilyn misses the mark in its storytelling, and ultimately not making use of its potentially dramatic character study, the film’s true highlight is Michelle Williams’s portrayal of Marilyn Monroe. Ignoring completely the context around her performance, Michelle Williams’s impression of the American icon is a simply stunning effort that takes authenticity and believability to the next level. Emulating Monroe’s mannerisms perfectly, Williams gives the audience a true and emotional portrait, giving a multi-layered portrait of the character. You never doubt her demeanor, Williams performance is the only part of the film that takes risks and succeeds with such poise. If only supported by better writing, My Week With Marilyn could have been something special, perhaps a film with meaningful revelations about the legendary icon.

Overall, My Week With Marilyn is fluff entertainment that overshadows a truly remarkable performance by Michelle Williams that should indeed receive recognition. Unfortunately, the film is the biopic that should have been. Simon Curtis is given considerable potential, but completely plagues with a weak screenplay that ultimately results in a forgettable film. Grade: C+

My Week With Marilyn - Movie Review