That’s funny. Or maybe, not so much. For Golden Globes, “My Week With Marilyn” is being entered as a comedy. Funny is one of the last adjectives that come to mind after seeing this well-crafted film. Tender, touching and perhaps, a bit amusing maybe, but laugh out loud comedic, no.
But one thing’s for sure.
Michelle Williams is a revelation as the great screen and sex icon Marilyn Monroe. That comes as somewhat of a surprise as the pixie-haired actress known for her roles in “Blue Valentine” and “Brokeback Mountain” wouldn’t seem like a natural, as Scarlett Johansson or Charlize Theron might, based upon their looks and acting abilities.
In fact, Johansson was reportedly up for the role, as were Amy Adams and Kate Hudson.
Williams had to pad out her slim physique to mimic Marilyn’s curves and go through extensive makeup every day, but it’s what comes from the inside that shines through in this fascinating tale of Monroe’s time in London, making the 1957 comedy “The Prince and the Showgirl” with one of the acting world’s all-time greats, Sir Laurence Olivier.
Based upon two books by Colin Clark, who was a 23-year-old glorified gofer on the film, the story chronicles his time in England with Monroe after her then-husband, Arthur Miller briefly joined her for the production and then went back to the United States.
Predictably, Clark, played by a charming Eddie Remayne, falls in love with the vulnerable bombshell and is at her beck and call, as she struggles with showing up on time on the set and dealing with the renowned Olivier and his movie star wife Vivien Leigh.
The tone is set when on the first day of shooting, Monroe keeps the entire cast in full costume waiting for two hours while she prepares with her protective acting coach, Paula Strasberg.
Olivier, who shows no patience forMonroe’s “Method,” is played by the superb Kenneth Branagh. The exemplary cast also includes Dougray Scott, Judi Dench and Emma Watson in supporting roles.
My Week With Marilyn, Rated R
Directed by Simon Curtis, written by Adrian Hodges
Running time: 101 minutes
