So disappointed with Vivien Leigh - My Week with Marilyn (2011) Discussion

[–] marvelass 13 years ago

Leigh was without a doubt exceptionally beautiful in her youth (c. GONE WITH THE WIND), but by 1956 she was looking rather haggard and lined.

Here's a picture of her in August 1956 (around the time of PRINCE AND THE SHOWGIRL):
http://www.mediastorehouse.com/vivian_leigh/print/1938263.html

I think Ormond as Leigh looks better than she did at the time and Ormond is 3 years older than Leigh was at that time:
http://makeupmag.com/uploads/images/Leigh_Ormond_400px.jpg

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[–] Poetica 13 years ago

The image that you posted is incorrectly dated -- that is Leigh, but ten years later! She had just completed Streetcar Named Desire, in which she was ravishing, and here is a link to a photo of the Oliviers with the Millers, so spot on for time period, and you can see there's nothing haggard about her.

http://blog.everlasting-star.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Monroe51___Miller_VivienLeigh_LaurenceOlivier.jpg

The reason she looked so bad ten years later, in the photo you've linked to, is because she was dying of tuberculosis.

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[–] ridleybird 13 years ago

Yes, Vivian Leigh was so beautiful and Ormand didn't look anything like her. I didn't realize she was playing Leigh for her first scenes. I think this was the only bad thing about the movie.

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[–] seisgrados 13 years ago

Sorry, but I have a hard time believing you're even a fan of hers and not know that her name was Vivien, not Vivian.

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[–] different-drummer 13 years ago

YOu can understand someone being confused, when the page linked to in an earlier post calls her "Vivian" and "Vivien" in consecutive lines.

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[–] seisgrados 13 years ago

I understand that kind of confusion, but not in a fan, I'm sorry. I don't buy it.

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[–] jt1999 13 years ago

It's "Vivian," you idiot. "Vivien" is a man's name.

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[–] vcrs 13 years ago

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5d/Vivien_Leigh_in_Wat erloo_Bridge_trailer.jpg

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[–] 13 years ago

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[–] cwsaathoff 13 years ago

She spelled her name with an "e" not an "a". You can verify this easily. Calling that person an idiot is so rude and arrogant.

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[–] KyleCheeks321 13 years ago

It's "Vivian," you idiot. "Vivien" is a man's name.

You sound like you aren't a fan!

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[–] logan03 13 years ago

Perhaps you're just a snooty know-it all. Try being a little less harsh on people.

You've done some bad things, sweetie.

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[–] popcorn-venus 12 years ago

I'm terribly sorry if someone already posted this. I went through the thread to see if I would be repeating someone else's post but couldn't find this exact detail, and I'm sure many Vivien fans here know this but for those who don't and are curious:

She was born Vivian Mary Hartley. The spelling of her name was changed to Vivien when she became an actress.

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[–] RICKMASS19 13 years ago

I felt the same way too, but changed my mind after I saw the picture that was posted.

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[–] ReneeMorgan 13 years ago

I thought Julia gave a wonderful portrayal.

I much prefer having someone who captures the mannerisms and style of whoever they're portraying than to have someone who may look like them, but doesn't capture their essence.

Examples: Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon looked nothing like Johnny Cash or June Carter Cash, but they both found their essence in "Walk the Line."...same with Kurt Russell when he portrayed Elvis in John Carpenter's "Elvis" film (which, in my opinion, is still the best portrayal of Elvis ever on film).

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[–] VixxieLou 13 years ago

It's so interesting that you say that OP, because I had the pleasure of taking my 89 year old uncle to see the film recently. He and his recently deceased partner absolutely lived for the theatre and went saw the Olivier’s in absolutely everything they could. When they were very young they were both actors doing rep, and they even had the pleasure of meeting the couple a few times.

So when I took him I was very interested to see what he thought of their portrayal. He loved Kenneth Branagh playing Larry, especially all the little quirks and nuances in his speech patterns (he said they were absolutely dead on). He also said that Julia Ormond captured a lot of the grace and elegance of Ms Leigh and her exquisite manners. His only complaint was that she wasn't nearly beautiful enough to play her.. "But then," he sighed "Who on earth is?"

My uncle maintains that she was the most beautiful woman he's ever seen, that she had an ageless quality about her onstage that was positively ethereal. He even stated that she might well be the only woman he'd ever been attracted to!

I think the point is that it didn’t really matter how tired and haggard Vivien was looking in her later years, there's still that SOMETHING about her that Julia Ormond couldn't capture. That sort of beauty is very difficult to emulate and I wouldn't expect her to.

Personally, from the little screen time she had, I think she did a perfectly credible job in a stellar cast!

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[–] Spring15 13 years ago

I felt that Julia Ormand was miscast as Vivien Leigh. The character in the movie was nothing special, or it came across that way. She did not have Leigh's beauty, and that can be excused, but I could not believe she was playing a great star like Vivien Leigh. That kind of personality was completely missing in that portrayal. I don't know if that was Julia's fault or the director's or whoever cast her in that role.

By comparison, Michelle Williams' Marilyn was more believable, at least in some scenes. Kenneth Branagh was very good as Sir Lawrence Olivier.

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[–] 13 years ago

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[–] jac91604 13 years ago

You're wrong ObamaLady, I guess you have never seen "The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone" from 1961, VL looked quite lovely.

In fact she still looked good in her final film appearance in 1965 in "Ship of Fools". I have a photograph of Miss Leigh from 1965 laying out in the sun at George Cukor's house by the pool and she looks fine for a woman in her 50s.

She is in a bathing suit and has a figure woman 20yrs younger would envy, and certainly these days when so many people are obese.

Leigh was more interested in the stage than she ever was in film. I don't think you know too much about her at all.

And in the theater age is not the issue it is/was on film.

I plan on seeing the film this week, so I can't comment on the performance yet.

But VL had little to no interest in Hollywood, in fact she only did "Ship of Fools" at the coaxing of Cukor.

In fact if Olivier hadn't gone to Hollywood to film "Wuthering Heights" it's doubtful VL ever would have gone there.

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[–] 13 years ago

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[–] nettwench 12 years ago

That's what I was thinking, too, that Vivien Leigh still looked stunning in "The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone." I think Julia Ormond was the wrong person to play her. That was my only problem with the movie. Still racking my brain to think of who could have portrayed her. She was absolutely one of the most beautiful women ever put on film. She even tops Marilyn, in my book. I recently watched a documentary about Margaret Mitchell, and the clips of Leigh are just unforgettable. Mesmerizing. One of the greatest actors, as well, certainly in "Streetcar."

Ssssshh! You'll wake up the monkey!

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[–] mldardar 11 years ago

I totally agree with you! I came across the movie on a website and thought I might watch it because I wanted to see how Michelle Williams would do as Marilyn Monroe. So I decided to check here first, not knowing anything about the movie except it was about Marilyn. When I saw that Julia Ormond was playing Vivien Leigh, I changed my mind. I like most of Julia's movies. But Vivien Leigh was a rare beauty. I know of no Vivien Leigh look-a-likes, Nor any of Louise Brooks, Hedy Lamarr, Susan Hayward and Liz Taylor. Actually, I've never seen anyone that really looks like Mariilyn either. So I understand the impossible job of casting someone to play someone so unique. But Julia looks nothing like Vivien, and I can't imagine her capturing Vivien's essence. When Vivien's on the screen, you can't turn away--you don't want to blink! A friend showed me a photo of her mother when she was a young lady. That was the only person I've ever thought looked like Vivien!
Usually, they cast a beautiful or handsome star to play a plain, not-so-attractive or unattractive person (Beyonce playing Etta James in Cadillac Records!). This time, they used someone less attractive, like when Rosie O'Donnell played Betty Rubble, LOL.

These comparisons remind me of an old ex-uncle's comparison of Marilyn and my Aunt Louise. One of my uncles was pretending to interview him so my Mom could have a tape of him. This old white man who spoke like an old black bluesman (but loved the Ink Spots) said, "Marilyn Monroe's legs 're as fair as a lily. Louise's legs 're like the bottom of the lily!" This was immediately followed by another aunt bursting out laughing with a scream from the kitchen, then the whole house erupted with laughter. Priceless.

Under our clothes, we are all naked!

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[–] bababear 13 years ago

We saw the film tonight. There was a scene- overlooked or forgotten by people posting on here- where Ms. Monroe asks Ms. Leigh why she wasn't playing the showgirl, as she had originated the part on state. Ms. Leigh very sensibly informs Ms. Monroe that as much as she loved the character she knew that she was too old to play the part.

The thing of it is, she could have gotten away with playing that character in 1957...on stage. Film is unforgiving because the audience isn't just sitting in the front row: during scenes when the camera is close, in the audience is sitting in the actors' laps.

Of course, she could have gone the route of actresses like Lana Turner in the Ross Hunter productions where she was lovingly photographed through gauze or, worse yet, like Lucille Ball in MAME seemingly being photographed through aluminum foil.

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[–] 11 years ago

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[–] jolacora 13 years ago

Thank you VixxieLou, for telling us about your uncle, that's a very interesting and moving story :)

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[–] seisgrados 13 years ago

Very sweet and interesting story Vixxielou. And your uncle is right, who can compare to her today? My only choice would be Evan Rachel Wood if she were 20 years older, or the original choice Catherine Zeta Jones. But even those would pale in comparison. Vivien was one of a kind.
I'm interested in knowing what your uncle thought of Michelle Williams work.

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[–] cwsaathoff 13 years ago

Right you are! It's about the acting chops, not looking like a carbon copy of another person. All of us are one of a kind.

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[–] DressRehearsal 13 years ago

I think too many people are missing the point. The OP was talking about the essence of Vivien Leigh, not some superficial facial resemblance.

I don't pretend to know anything about Leigh's "essence" but I can tell you that after seeing her here (1958)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4c6kR9ORqUc
I get the impression of a coiled viper: phony, mean, manipulative, quarrelsome and arrogant, and never more untrustworthy-looking than when she flashes that lovely but taut smile of hers.

To get Leigh right, I think Ormond should have conveyed the sense of putting the other characters, and the audience, on pins and needles.

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[–] ScTigerGirL81 13 years ago

Perhaps I can shed some light on her "coiled viper" actions here.

She always meticulously studied her reviews and no one gave her scathing reviews like Kenneth Tynan. I think Tynan was always a soft spot for her because he criticized her portrayal of Scarlett and Blanche and I believe he said she didn't deserve either Oscar which in my opinion is pure boloney. If you were in an interview with the one person who criticized every move of your career casting a dark cloud on your greatest accomplishments....then you'd probably act this way too.

Your pencils are creating a health hazard. I could fall and pierce an organ.

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[–] Mayesgwtw39 11 years ago

I get the impression of a coiled viper: phony, mean, manipulative, quarrelsome and arrogant, and never more untrustworthy-looking than when she flashes that lovely but taut smile of hers.

Oh, brother!

That's got to be one-of the most overdone character readings imaginable.

I think you go too far in assuming sinister things like "manipulative." In fact, she's very perceptive and funny throughout the interview.

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[–] janus3 13 years ago

i think she was portrayed that way strictly for movie purposes just to show the kind of impact marilyn had and how she could make people feel insecure. i enjoy vivien leigh as well and found nothing really that would tarnish her image. i think julia ormond did a good job and showed how humble and down to earth leigh was.

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[–] DressRehearsal 13 years ago

What do you mean "tarnish her image?" It's common knowledge that she was bipolar and extremely difficult to get along with.

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[–] Mayesgwtw39 11 years ago

She was not hard to get along with. She was a hard worker who won 2 Oscars--just so you know what the industry thought of her.

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[–] typingmonkey 13 years ago

Wow, I thought she was wonderful; had great grace and charisma....what else makes a star?

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[–] Alpha_Raptor 13 years ago

I agree Catherine Zeta Jones would have been PERFECT to play Leigh.

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[–] LaraCroftLegacy 13 years ago

I Like Catherine Zeta Jones

D.H.F.F
Now end of day and Iam the Reaper:Silent hill

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[–] 13 years ago

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[–] 13 years ago

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[–] mermaids-969-991627 13 years ago

Smoking explains why Vivian looked ten years older at 44. It makes a huge difference in the skin department. The body just can't make decent copies of cells when cigarettes are in the mix. 44 can look very youthful if one doesn't smoke.

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[–] Moon_and_New_York_City 13 years ago

I was impressed with Ormond's performance but I thought the entire cast was uniformly excellent. I also agree that Leigh did not age well, yet Ormond was still able to capture that fading beauty.

Brilliant acting, good film..... 7 stars.

"the best that you can do is fall in love"

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[–] rianna98 13 years ago

She also had TB, was manic, it also took a toll on her looks, but yes, the smoking really aged her.

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[–] ScTigerGirL81 13 years ago

Very good point. She had a respiratory issue and to couple with that she smoked. As a nurse I can tell you nothing makes you look older than a respiratory problem. and as you said she was manic which as we all know stress takes a toll on your looks and health.

Your pencils are creating a health hazard. I could fall and pierce an organ.

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[–] ScTigerGirL81 13 years ago

Zeta Jones was actually offered the part first but declined to be with her husband Michael Douglas who was suffering from I believe cancer at the time.

Your pencils are creating a health hazard. I could fall and pierce an organ.

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[–] vcrs 13 years ago

When talking about portraying an amazing actress like Vivien I don't care about looks at all I care about the essence. I don't know if I ever will be able to watch this movie i'm afraid to see what they did to Vivien. And also I don't see the point on worshiping Marilyn.

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[–] heather_m1986 13 years ago

They could have done more with the Vivien character. She was Type 1 Bipolar, a disease that was untreatable in those days. When manic, she would torment Olivier with her promiscuity, her violence, her abusive language and her non-stop activity. This is absolutely essential to understanding Olivier's state of mind at this point of time, but it is not something that the Colin character would have been privy to. Indeed, only a few close friends knew about her illness and only Olivier and her immediate family knew how bad it really was.

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[–] ThatDoesntMatter 13 years ago

Thank you, heather m1986, for pointing that out.

Everyone's talking about looks - unimportant. This was about characters.
Julia Ormond was uninteresting, much too nice and normal. Imo Vivien Leigh had much bigger problems than Marilyn Monroe, so who was the false one...She was most probably with Larry about his judgement of Monroe and tried to sweet-talk her into making Larry's job easier...;-)))

But it's true, Colin Clark would not have known it then. Larry came across like a jerk, when probably he was projecting his problems and being jealous and trying to cope - in a not-gentlemanlike manner...;-))

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[–] ScTigerGirL81 13 years ago

I'm reading Hugo Vicker's biography of Vivien and she was acutally well known for her kindness to others (not necessarily Larry because unfortunately he was the target of most of her mania) So Vivien would have been perfectly cordial to marilyn

Your pencils are creating a health hazard. I could fall and pierce an organ.

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