Marilyn Monroe was more than just 'Blonde'

It's Been a Minute

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🗓️ 8 March 2023

⏱️ 22 minutes

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Summary

In the six decades since Marilyn Monroe passed away, Hollywood has not let her go. Actresses have portrayed her in countless films and there have been more than 15 biopics dedicated to the late icon. Ahead of the Academy Awards, Ana de Armas has been getting Oscar buzz for playing Marilyn 'Blonde.' However, one critic finds this role, this film, and these stereotypes deeply problematic. Host Brittany Luse is joined by culture critic Angelica Jade Bastién to talk about Marilyn's misinterpreted legacy and why the Hollywood impersonations never shine as bright as the real star.

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Transcript

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0:00.0	You're listening to It's Been a Minute From NPR.
0:05.6	I'm Brittany Loose.
0:07.3	The 95th Academy Awards are happening this weekend, and Anadama has gotten some serious
0:13.5	Oscar buzz for Best Actress.
0:16.2	The role?
0:17.2	Yet another portrayal of the iconic Marilyn Monroe in blonde.
0:22.1	I can't face doing another scene with Marilyn Monroe.
0:26.8	The movie is built as a psychological drama that explores some of the relationships, struggles,
0:32.7	and addictions the famed actress experienced.
0:36.4	And a few, she did it.
0:38.1	I came away from the film seeing Marilyn as very traumatized and also split in two,
0:45.4	where Norma Jean is this broken person trapped inside the very fake persona of Marilyn
0:50.7	Monroe.
0:52.1	And while the armist was recognized by the Academy, the film itself has divided audiences.
0:58.2	And it's earned the disapproval of one critic, who feels the director, Andrew Dominic, has
1:03.3	taken artistic liberties that reduce and flatten the personhood of Marilyn Monroe.
1:09.7	You can tell through his interviews through the film itself, this man does not like Marilyn
1:14.7	Monroe, he doesn't like her art, he doesn't respect her.
1:18.4	Patrick Angelica J. Bastienne is a Marilyn expert, a Monroe master.
1:24.7	And she's here to help us separate fact from fiction.
1:28.6	There's enough quotes of things she actually said I don't know why people keep making stuff
1:31.9	up.
	...

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