The Film
People freaked out when Michelle Williams was first cast to play Marilyn Monroe. How could the girl from Dawson's Creek pull off one of the greatest film icons ever? Well, she has done a lot since then. For those living in the past or just positive that Williams couldn't pull off Marilyn (or any role, for that matter), My Week With Marilyn is a real testament.
Back in 1956, Marilyn was a bonafide movie star on her way to becoming an icon. Despite her worldwide status, Marilyn wasn't such the world traveler. She made a huge stir with her first visit to England, to star in The Prince and the Showgirl alongside Sir Laurence Olivier (played by the wonderful Kenneth Branagh).
The film follows Marilyn's journey -- or at least the journey of Colin Clark (Eddie Redmayne). About 23 at the time and Olivier's assistant director, Clark claimed to have shared more than a connection with Marilyn.
Although it's Clark's story for the telling, Marilyn is the focal point here, as is Williams. The statement that Williams doesn't have the physical oomph to play Marilyn is absurd. No one has been blessed with such beauty or screen presence since. That said, Williams does a wonderful job delivering Marilyn's personality, both sweet, sensitive, and downright scared. Her many nominations were earned.
The Picture
A movie riddled with Oscar potential is not one that you want getting a shabby release. Thankfully, Anchor Bay delivers the goods with this excellent 2.35:1 transfer. There's some grain, but the film manages to squeeze out a ton of texture and details, most notably in Marilyn's hair and in the varied faces. Look for facial lines and Eddie Redmayne's freckles to offer some of the biggest pop. The film's strongest suit, however, are its wonderful colors and black levels. The varied fleshtones are spot-on, as is the outdoor scenery. Even though it's a newer film, it still is a very nice surprise.
The Sound
The film's opening has a wonderful musical scene and some nice London atmosphere, which makes you think that the film's lone DTS-HD Master Audio track will keep pretty busy for the next 99 minutes. It does have it's share of surround noise peeking in, including the rumble of a car engine, the film set, and a few heart-stopping flash bulbs. Overall though, it's really more of a front affair with the track focused on the film's clear dialogue.
The Extras
Director Simon Curtis sits alone for the film's audio commentary, with "The Untold Story of an American Icon" being the release's only other extra. It's a fairly typical featurette, with cast and crew discussing Marilyn, the movie, the casting, the locations, and other pieces of the film's production.
Final Thoughts
Blondes don't always have fun, but they sure can act. Michelle Williams proves that once again, with this touching performance. We all know Marilyn Monroe as an actress, a goddess, and an extremely tragic figure. Nothing in My Week With Marilyn should reveal or surprise too many people -- except the performances, of course. Williams continues to impress and her performance alone is worth the price of admission on this one.
Product Details
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