In the realm of cinema, director Andrew Dominik has crafted "Blonde" as a poignant narrative, described as "a movie for all the unloved children in the world."
This cinematic portrayal delves into the true story of Marilyn Monroe's family life, exploring the troubled relationships that shaped the iconic actress's formative years.
Played by Ana de Armas, Monroe's character in "Blonde" is meticulously molded by director Andrew Dominik, who drew inspiration from the "misguided childhood beliefs and trauma" outlined in Joyce Carol Oates's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel from 2000. The film, according to Vanity Fair, serves as a reflection of Monroe's wounded psyche and has been hailed as a cinematic ode to all those who have felt unloved.
The film commences with a glimpse into the tumultuous childhood of a 7-year-old Norma Jeane Baker, portrayed by Lily Fisher. Tormented by her alcoholic and mentally unstable mother, Gladys, portrayed by Julianne Nicholson, young Norma Jeane faces life-threatening situations, such as being nearly drowned in a bathtub and led into a 1933 Griffith Park fire. The absence of a father figure haunts Monroe throughout the film, as Gladys paints a portrait of him as a powerful figure in Hollywood, promising a future of prosperity.
In reality, Monroe's early life was marked by frequent separations from her mother. Two weeks after her birth, Gladys left Monroe in foster care in Hawthorne, California. Despite Gladys's visitations, Monroe's upbringing included stays in various orphanages and foster homes, where she encountered both s---al abuse and emotional challenges. At the age of 11, she found refuge with family friend Grace McKee Goddard, a pivotal figure in her life. The film showcases Monroe's complex journey, from experiencing hardships in foster care to making crucial choices at a young age.
One significant turning point was her move to live with Grace McKee Goddard, portrayed as "Aunt Grace," as described by Monroe in her posthumously published memoirs, "My Story." This move marked a departure from institutional life and provided her with a semblance of stability. When faced with the choice between marrying James Dougherty, a 21-year-old neighbor's son, or returning to the orphanage, Monroe opted for marriage at the age of 15. This decision set the course for a tumultuous marriage that ended in separation in 1946.
The film captures Monroe's struggle with her identity, including the creation of her stage name. Choosing "Monroe" from her mother's maiden name, she concealed much of her early life in interviews. In her memoir, Monroe admitted to weaving a web of lies about her parents, concealing her mother's mental health struggles and her own unconventional birth circumstances.
