Which actress you would like to see protraying Marilyn? - My Week with Marilyn (2011) Discussion

[–] littledarkpoet11 13 years ago

I lucked out, actually--the actress I find most suited for the part got it, and has apparently delivered a tour de force.

Michelle Williams is a very inspired choice; she absolutely has the sheer talent to pull off a believable Marilyn Monroe/Norma Jeane, while possessing an innate vulnerability and a penchant for delivering the most honestly nuanced performances of today. Monroe is lucky to finally have a powerhouse talent like Williams beautifully and sensitively draw out a portrait of who she was on a deeper level than what we're used to seeing.

All people ever see is Marilyn Monroe...

reply

[–] briannaweitzman 13 years ago

After seeing the film, I think casting Michelle was absolutely the right decision, as she plays the role beautifully. I can't imagine anyone doing a better job. If I had to choose another actress, though, I'd probably go with Naomi Watts. She's always reminded me of Marilyn, and I think she'd have the chops to pull it off.

reply

[–] littledarkpoet11 13 years ago

I can definitely see Watts as early 60s Marilyn--did you know that she's attached to her own Monroe project with director Andrew Dominik (The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford)? It's based on a Joyce Carol Oates novel, entitled Blonde. Should be a very interesting film.

Glad to hear you loved Williams in My Week with Marilyn! It's my most anticipated performance in a very, very long time. I'm a huge fan of both Williams and Monroe, so it's a really special situation to have one portraying the other.

All people ever see is Marilyn Monroe...

reply

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] MicheleWilliams 13 years ago

So, Bri, how exactly are you involved with this picture? Do you work for one of Miramax's companies, are you relative of some of the filmmakers, or just a friend?
Did you even write the review? It doesn't seem to have the same voice as your posts. Absolutely no professional reviewer gave this tanker a 100% positive review. The only favorable ones were from those with their own agenda.
However, a "10/10"--would equal it to the best movie of all time--I cannot see anyone but a Weinstein disciple garning it such praises. In addition, you live in and attended an advanced screening, in L.A...
Still, I concur, if you are sincere, with your pick of Naomi Watts, except for her age.
Despite the effort, tho, I think Uncle Henry and Uncle Harvey and the gang at the office are taking a loss on this one.

reply

[–] pjpoconnell 13 years ago

What is your problem anyway? You obviously have one.

reply

[–] briannaweitzman 13 years ago

Excuse me? I'm not involved with this picture at all - a friend invited me to an advance screening, we both went in with low expectations, and both came out very pleasantly surprised. Maybe MWWM isn't deserving of a ten out of ten (perhaps a nine out of ten), but in this day and age, when 90% of the movies released to theaters are complete and utter garbage, I felt like this genuinely wonderful film deserved top marks.

reply

[–] MicheleWilliams 13 years ago

This is what everyone writes. However, if you insist. I came across your posts about Meg Ryan. They are "spot-on," honest, and correct, and that is refreshing.

"MWWM" capitalized on both the phoney diaries by Money Grubber, Colin Clark, and "The King's Speech." Williams was just about the poorest choice for Marilyn Monroe possible. Understandably, actress after actress turned the project down.

You obviously do not agree with this poster's opinion about the movie. That happens. This is an board for such discussions.

All I saw was Michelle Williams trying to imitate Marilyn Monroe. She was unable to capture, nor disappear into the character. Those factors, plus the dialog and faux events/storyline, conveyed MM's personality as simply not believable.

We all are aware that the film was 100% fiction, so Monroe was portrayed as she was in "The Misfits," mostly, and then Williams own take on Marilyn Monroe's "private" persona...
After a mere six (6) months of "studying" Monroe, MW had the gall to pretend to know what Monroe might have been like when alone? That is appalling and yet one more smear on Marilyn.

If this film was recast, retitled, and the heroine was not THE Marilyn Monroe, it might have been watchable. Yet, they had to use MM once again for money.

You are right. 90% of film today is trash, but this one would have been best left ENTIRELY on the cutting room floor. No one can play Monroe.

"C'mon, Oscar! Let's you and me get drunk!"

reply

[–] MydnightRose 13 years ago

Based solely on looks, I'd go for Scarlett Johansson or Naomi Watts.
I never would have thought of Britney Spears, but she does kind of resemble Marilyn. A part from the question of her acting, she seems to be a little to close to Marilyn's life. Needy small town girls who had serious mental issues whose fame became a curse. I remember Angelina Jolie saying she was afraid to play Gia because the story hit to close to home.

I'm not reading your manifesto, keep your damn posts short!

reply

[–] dinaa1 13 years ago

I can, she is so not her.

reply

[–] pjpoconnell 13 years ago

Totally agree! Elizabeth Olsen would have been an interesting choice also.

reply

[–] pjpoconnell 13 years ago

This was supposed to be a reply to "MicheleWilliams," not to dinaa.

reply

[–] budaphly 13 years ago

I agree with Elisha, but I doubt that she's a good enough actress to put some depth into the role. I mean, we shouldn't disregard that the private life of Marilyn had depth.

I saw this girl next to me who wasn't beautiful until she smiled. -Basketball Diaries

reply

[–] Aim-JE 13 years ago

Alice Eve I beautiful, talented, funny and has the "bombshell" look, but I read that Michelle was great in this film.

"Oh, please, just shut up. You're wounding my soul!"

reply

[–] bobo-29 13 years ago

Lindsay Lohan

reply

[–] lifeislovely 13 years ago

Yeah right, this girl with her rotting teeth, can't stay out of trouble long enough to film anything. And who would insure her?

I think Michelle was a great choice and I am really looking forward to seeing this film.

Naomi Watts is also a great choice.

reply

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] kc385 13 years ago

Wow, yes I think you are right about Scarlett!

reply

[–] Starchie28 13 years ago

Scarlett has the look and the presence, but I don't think she has the acting ability or depth to really pull off more than what would amount to a decent impersonation of Marilyn. I'm not thrilled with Michelle Williams but if her performance is a "tour-de-force" as others have pointed out, I'll give her the benefit of the doubt.

reply

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] notorious_souljah_17 12 years ago

I agree I thought Scarlett has the looks to make a good peformance but Michelle Williams was perfect as Marilyn and couldnt see anyone else being Marilyn.

reply

[–] leek-16 13 years ago

"Scarlett Johansson. She is by far the sexiest actress today, and she is a talented actress."

I so agree with this. Scarlett has that 40/50's pinup girl look about her. I always hope to hear that she's working on a movie about Marilyn's life. I also have to give props to Mira Sorvino. I think she pulled off quite a believable Marilyn as well. I can only watch Norma Jean and Marilyn once a year or so. The pain Marilyn put herself through is too hard to watch and you(well I do anyway)feel yourself wanting to save this poor creature. All she needed was one honest and caring and strong constant person in her life. She always picked the wrong men, the wrong lifestyle,the wrong friends.. the wrong everything. To me, THAT was her downfall.

reply

[–] KaleshaB 13 years ago

Well I actually just read in the trivia (not sure if anyone else saw it), but they said Scarlett Johansson actually was one of their first choices to play Marilyn in this movie, but she herself turned it down. I keep trying to picture her in this role, I think she'd been suitable for it, I wonder why she turned it down then? Its an honorable role...

And I agree definitely about Elisha Cuthbert too (lookwise though), like someone else said above, not sure about the actual role itself because that means more than anything... but look wise she'd been perfect. She has soft features just like Marilyn... Michelle also. I'm satisfied with how it all came out, I can't wait to see it!

reply

[–] MicheleWilliams 13 years ago

NONE. They should ALL leave Marilyn Monroe alone. Finally. Especially with these bullsh-t stories.
But, since Movieland never will let her rest-in-peace, ANYBODY but Michelle Williams! Dame Judi Dench would be a better candidate!
Seriously, Scarlett Johmannssen looks more like MM than Williams (who doesn't?), but is still too short and her face is too strong a "heart shape." Also, I don't think either has the acting skills to depict MM. At least one of them was realistic enough to admit it.
I would pick Watts, Jolie, Theron. Someone has to have beauty AND acting abilities. But the latter are too tall (particularly Theron) and would be wise enough to turn down yet another spurious fairy-tale about Marilyn Monroe. What's the point? To intoduce the dumbed-down generation to a dumbed-down Marilyn? Enough already! (Wait, I think that IS the point!)
Although Watts is too old now, her acting, some surgery(?), prosthetics, soft-focus lenses, etc, etc., might be able to transcend these obstacles.
Still "Blond," also a fictional work, renders the ENTIRE life of the fabulous star. Perhaps the movie will only detail the later years of Marilyn's life.

reply

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] MicheleWilliams 13 years ago

Still, her memory deserves some respect. Thousands of people care about her, after 49 years. That's more than can be said for a great deal of actresses past present and future.

Do you hold the "Secrets to The Universe?" You have concrete evidence that an afterlife does not exist?

reply

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] MicheleWilliams 13 years ago

Nice try, but Marilyn Monroe was 5'5 1/2" at least. Some sources stated she was 5'6" or 5'6 1/2".
You seem "crazy obsessed" (a hypen belongs there) with one's height meaning nothing. No, never heard of high heels. Ever heard of modeling agencies? The taller a woman is, the more different her proportions are and the better she looks in clothing. Heels don't change one's figure. Sharlot being probably two inches + shorter than Marilyn, will not look as fabulous in Marilyn's outfits, that's just anatomy and physiology...BTW how can Michelle Williams be 5'3" and your friend be 5'4"? Williams looks to be 5'1", so is Sharlot 5'2"-5'3"? Someone's not telling the truth...

An actress's PERFORMANCE and acting ability are what's important."

Oh, so that's all? According to your logic, the next actress to play Marilyn Monroe should be Gabourey Sidibe? Any actress that could make a decent Marilyn should have some basic resemblance to work with. In addition, some sort of charisma, also. Which Sidibe does have. You just never know...

reply

[–] chellfairy 13 years ago

...BY.MicheleWilliams

Nice try, but Marilyn Monroe was 5'5 1/2" at least. Some sources stated she was 5'6" or 5'6 1/2".You seem "crazy obsessed" (a hypen belongs there) with one's height meaning nothing. No, never heard of high heels. Ever heard of modeling agencies? The taller a woman is, the more different her proportions are and the better she looks in clothing. Heels don't change one's figure. Sharlot being probably two inches + shorter than Marilyn, will not look as fabulous in Marilyns outfits, that's just anatomy and physiology...BTW how can Michele Williams be 5'3" and your friend be 5'4"? Williams looks to be 5'1", so is Sharlot 5'2"-5'3"? Someone's not telling the truth...

OMGosh!! What??? Marilyn was 5'5 1/2"? at least? This is an outrage!!! what really troubles me is that Michelle Williams wears a size 8 shoe and Marilyn wore a size 6. I refuse to watch the movie now.
I also have a crazy obsession...spelling. It seems that in the attempt to correct another poster with details on height, you've neglected spelling. I can help you with this. Here are the corrections.
(a hypen belongs there)- hyphen
.Sharlot.....Scarlett (unless you're referring to someone other than Scarlett Johansson}h, and one Unless it is meant to be intentional , "Michele"....Michelle Williams spells her name with two L's, not one. a common error, but I take exception because I share her spelling and hate it when someone misspells. (it's a personal thing).
Marilynsoutfits.....Marilyn's outfits (an apostrophe goes there)
That about does it. Apologies if you find the corrections offending. It is not my intention. You just strike me as a stickler for this kind of stuff, as am I.
Hope it was helpful.
As far as actresses........too bad Anna Nicole Smith isn't still around, I think she would have been a great Marilyn.

reply

[–] MicheleWilliams 13 years ago

Williams wears a size 8 shoe? Gross. Or should 8 be spelled out--eight?
Ummm. No mispellings there, if you get the drift. One necessary, the other intentional. But I shall correct the apostrophe that is missing, if only for a helpful person such as you.
You can understand how it could happen though. Especially when one uses bright blue font...not easy on the eyes. (JK!)

"Is IMDB an Institute of Learning or a Teenage Brothel?"

reply

[–] pjpoconnell 13 years ago

There is obviously something wrong with "MicheleWilliams."

reply

[–] MicheleWilliams 13 years ago

It's you, troll.

"Is IMDB an Institute of Learning or a Teenage Brothel?"

reply

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] chellfairy 13 years ago

by - MicheleWilliams on Mon Nov 7 2011 03:01:15 NONE. They should ALL leave Marilyn Monroe alone. Finally. Especially with these bullsh-t stories.
But, since Movieland never will let her rest-in-peace, ANYBODY but Michelle Williams! Dame Judi Dench would be a better candidate!
Seriously, Scarlett Johmannssen looks more like MM than Williams (who doesn't?),

Bravo! I agree, 100%. There are so many other talented actresses that would be a better fit portraying Marilyn. The make so many movies about her and most of them are ignorant "Lifetime, movie of the week, caliber". Michelle Williams just doesn't have the "It" or "WOW" factor.

reply

[–] BelleDameSansMerci 13 years ago

All she needed was one honest and caring and strong constant person in her life.

She had a person fitting that description. Joe DiMaggio.

The problem with people who need other people to "save" them is that nobody ever does, or could, save them, no matter what they do, because the only person that can save you is yourself. In twenty years of study and clinical practice I haven't seen a single case where outside help could achieve anything permanent, unless the person was willing and able to help themselves.

reply

[–] MicheleWilliams 13 years ago

Except for the fact that he beat her up every once in a while...
You claim to have spent "20 years of study and clinical practice" in some field, yet, judging from your posts, they do not appear to have a professional tone.
Perhaps you're a psychology student working as a "Psych Tech."

No one's business, but you chose to share that...

"Is IMDB an Institute of Learning or a Teenage Brothel?"

reply

[–] DameDigbyChickenCaesar 13 years ago

Come back to the 80's with me, if you will...lol. Anyone remember a show called We Got It Maid? There was an actress on the show named Teri Copely. I'd always wanted to see her portray MM.

Anywho, with regard to todays actresses... I just don't know. I like Scarlett Johansson, but her voice might be a bit too husky for MM. Hmm... Maybe an unknown could pull her off. But, I'm soooooo looking forward to seeing M. Williams' portrayal. Judging from the trailer, she's gonna be pretty darned good.

*beep* you and your pomme frites."

reply

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] katish7 13 years ago

gretchen mol or scarlett johansson

reply

[–] aks4532 13 years ago

I didn't think Michelle Williams would be able to pull off Monroe but after seeing the film, I have to admit, she was amazing! In some scenes I was left wondering if they were using footage of the actual Monroe. She may not look exactly like Monroe, but she did an amazing job

reply

[–] UnprodigalSon 13 years ago

Nice to hear! I look forward to seeing for myself!

reply

[–] katish7 13 years ago

amazing job indeed. she mannaged to reproduce her mannerisms quite well, but still... comparing to branagh's sir olivier(at times I felt he literally imbodied him even though in looks he's very far from olivier's perfection)... she wasn't marilyn, I was aware it was michelle in the majority of scenes, her features and apparently personality are too different from mm.

I saw some video with scarjo when she was just striking poses and making faces, in some of them the resemblance to mm was uncanny:

http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/movie-star-virals-silent-film-clip-with-scarlett-johansson - it's a speed up version of it

reply

[–] katish7 13 years ago

here's a better version of it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GasM0rVF-Dk&feature=related

reply

[–] Kariann1964 12 years ago

I really can't think of another actress that could have done a better job playing MM. It was important to appear vulnerable and sexy. Michelle did both. I really enjoyed the film and actually wanted more.

reply

[–] lucas_jack88 13 years ago

I agree 100% thats funny you say that because thats EXACTLY who i was just saying should play her. Elisha Cuthbert looks almost identical to Marilyn in the face and Michelle williams mouth is just too wide lol.

reply