Marilyn Monroe: Self-Made Star is a major new retrospective marking the centenary of the birth of the woman born Norma Jeane Mortenson, who became one of the most popular sex symbols of the 1950s and early 1960s. She retained top billing in her films for a decade, notably for her comic “blonde bombshell” roles.
Cheryl Bird visited the BFI’s press launch of Marilyn Monroe: Self-Made Star for us yesterday, including a screening of Monroe’s final completed film, The Misfits (1961).
The launch of Marilyn Monroe: Self-Made Star and The Misfits screening
To celebrate Marilyn Monroe’s centenary, the BFI is showing 17 of her films (out of 29 completed), plus footage from her last unfinished film, Something’s Got To Give.
These will be supplemented by two documentaries, Norma Jean alias Marilyn Monroe (1987) and Marilyn on Marilyn (2001).
Together these will re-evaluate Monroe’s career and influence as a Self- Made Star across this summer season (Jun/Jul). The season aims to present her as a pioneer and the author of her own image.
Monroe was always striving for meatier parts and used her later power to set up her own production company after going on strike when she became increasingly disappointed with the films being offered to her.
Her final completed film, The Misfits, couldn’t be further away from her famous musical comedy showgirl image and showcases her as an ambitious and serious actress in a more complex, downbeat role.
Pessimistic and gritty, it starts with her character Rosilyn’s divorce. She asks the seemingly simple but bleak question,” How do you just live?”
Taking her chances at a fresh start, she teams up with somewhat damaged cowboys played by Clark Gable, Eli Wallach, and Montgomery Clift in a world that’s already moved on.
The question of how to just live in a changing world proves more difficult for all the characters in the end as they come to terms with what they really want for their futures.
It’s a fascinating, unique film, weighted with what might have been, had Monroe’s life not been cut short. It will also be screening nationwide with BFI distribution.
The Self-Made Star Season will be split into 3 main parts, all with introductions.
- Star Attractions (Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, How to Marry a Millionaire, The 7 Year Itch, The Prince and the Showgirl, Some Like it Hot, Let’s Make Love, Ladies of the Chorus)
- Scene Stealers (All About Eve, As Young as You Feel, Monkey Business, There’s No Business ike Showbusiness, Clash by Night)
- Dramatic Turns (Niagara, River of No Return, Bus Stop, Don’t Bother to Knock, The Misfits)
Tickets for BFI Southbank screenings are on sale to BFI Patrons on 5 May, BFI Members on 6 May, and to the general public on 8 May.Â