Film Review: "Blonde" (2022).

"Watched by all, seen by none". This is Blonde. This historical psychological drama film written and directed by Andrew Dominik and based on the 2000 novel of the same name by Joyce Carol Oates. The film boldly reimagines the life of one of Hollywood's most enduring icons, Marilyn Monroe. From her volatile childhood as Norma Jeane, through her rise to stardom and romantic entanglements, 'Blonde' blurs the lines of fact and fiction to explore the widening split between her public and private selves.

As early as 2010, Dominik had begun developing a film adaptation of Oates' 2000 novel - a fictional and controversial account of Monroe's life. Dominik described the film as being "more accessible" than his previous projects, and revealed that his script contained "very little dialogue", as he preferred to make it more of an "avalanche of images and events." For Dominik, the project was his first attempt at developing a film featuring a woman at the center of the story. In May, it was announced that Naomi Watts would star in the film as Monroe, and that the production, which at this point cost an estimated $20 million, was slated to begin principal photography in January 2011. Principal photography on the film didn't commence, with Dominik later stating he hoped it would be his next film, with production commencing in 2013. In April 2014, it was announced that Jessica Chastain had replaced Watts as Monroe. The report also revealed that Dominik was planning to begin principal photography in August of that year. Dominik attributed the delays in production partly due to financing. In August 2016, it was announced that Netflix would distribute the film. In March 2019, it was announced that Ana de Armas would star as Monroe, replacing Chastain. Dominik noticed de Armas's performance in Knock Knock (2015), and while she went through a long casting process, Dominik secured her the role after the first audition. In preparation, de Armas worked with a dialect coach for a year. By August, Adrien Brody, Bobby Cannavale, Xavier Samuel, Julianne Nicholson, Caspar Phillipson, Toby Huss, Sara Paxton, Spencer Garrett, Catherine Dent, Garret Dillahunt, and Scoot McNairy rounded out the film's cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced and wrapped early in July 2021 due to the shutdowns as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Filming took place in Los Angeles and the film utilised both black and white and colour cinematography. It was initially announced that the film was set for a September 23, 2022 release date, but the date was later shifted to a September 28 release.

The film stars de Armas, Brody, Cannavale, Samuel, Nicholson, Phillipson, Huss, Paxton, Garrett, Dent, Dillahunt, and McNairy. Despite sounding incomplete, the film never fails to fascinate thanks to the masterful performance of Ana de Armas - who, at various times, reminded me of the young titular actress herself.

Blonde is an intriguing film, one that challenges the viewer through unpredictable, often excessive exploitation set against a palate of Hollywood glamour and tragic drama.

Simon says Blonde receives:

Also, see my review for One More Time with Feeling.