My Week with Marilyn

'My Week with Marilyn' directed by Simon Curtis and written by Adrian Hodge, I have to say was significantly disappointing. 

The film is based upon the Diaries of Colin Clark who is played by Eddie Redmayne, a fairly new and understated actor. Colin, an ambitious young man who dreams of directing his own film, manages to talk his way onto a film set as a 'third hand man' for Sir Laurence Olivier. On the set of 'The Prince and the Showgirl' Colin meets the disturbed yet wonderfully captivating Marilyn Monroe, who he quite quickly falls in love with.

For one week only the pair become incredibly close and inseparable, although it is clear to see that the relationship is momentary and fickle, on Monroe's part anyway.

Ultimately the movie is completed and Monroe decides to give it one final go with her husband in the US who she says simply 'doesn't understand her'. She leaves behind a broken hearted Colin, who goes on to become a successful director himself....and that's that!

The film is so British it is unreal, which in itself was somewhat of a disappointment as with Monroe you associate all things Hollywood, celebrity and glamour. This film simply didn't have any of those things and instead the audience are presented with English humour, green pastures and quaint countryside pubs.

In my mind the movie had endless possibilities and could have achieved so much. When it comes to producing a film about Marilyn Monroe, a woman who was so incredibly fascinating and captivating, the movie itself could have been just that. 

Despite the fact that the cast included the likes of Dame Judi Dench, Emma Watson and Michelle Williams, their was still something noticeable missing from this movie, which led to it being unmemorable. 

That said, one thing that cannot be denied is Michelle Williams' excellent, concise and detailed portrayal of Monroe. The A-lister managed to convey Monroe's desperation to be loved absolutely perfectly and in terms of aesthetics she had the voice pitch perfect and the hair and makeup spot on. Sadly it was just the story line that let her commendable performance down.

If you are a big fan of Monroe and want to see this film to satisfy a curiosity just as I did, then this movie will certainly shed no further light on the life of the tragic superstar.

What's more the movie seemed to be made on a budget and I really thought that it felt more like a documentary then a film, which isn't surprising when you consider that the director is better known for his TV work.

I would give this film a 2 out of 5. The power and virtue of Monroe was understated, underplayed and her success disregarded. It certainly didn't do her any justice.

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