Andrew Dominik’s Blonde, starring Ana De Armas as Monroe, premiered at the 79th Venice International Film Festival on September 8. The cast also includes an ensemble of Hollywood A-listers such as Adrien Brody, Bobby Cannavale, Xavier Samuel, and Julianne Nicholson.
Marilyn Monroe was a Hollywood icon who ruled the film industry for over two decades. Here are five must-watch American classics by Monroe-
1. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
There is perhaps no more enticing duo than Monroe and Jane Russell in Howard Hawks’ delightful adaptation of Anita Loos’ Broadway classic. The plot of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes revolves around two showgirls who set sail for Paris, where Monroe is set to marry a young millionaire (Tommy Noonan).
On the way, they come across a private investigator (Elliott Reid) who has been hired to find out whether Monroe is just another gold digger. Meanwhile, Russell is having an affair with a super-rich diamond seller (Charles Coburn). Monroe is perhaps best known for her signature song, Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend, in which she explains why it’s crucial to find a wealthy man.
Also Read: Blonde: Adrien Brody recalls 1st time Ana de Armas became Marilyn Monroe
2. The Misfits
The Misfit is a film written by Monroe’s then-husband, Arthur Miller. The story revolves around a gorgeous divorcee (Monroe) who falls in love with a past-his-prime cowboy (Gable) who, with his affiliates (Clift and Eli Wallach), grinds up “misfit” horses into dog food.
The film was a flop at the time, but it has since been given a second life as a minor masterpiece, thanks in large part to its tragic history. Monroe is particularly effective in a role that pits her against type, as an emotionally wounded woman seeking solace in the company of other deeply troubled people. It’s especially difficult to watch given her own life story, which may have provided inspiration for the performance.
3. Some Like It Hot
Billy Wilder executes the film’s premise of almost Olympian goofiness with humour, sensuality and elegance. Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis play Chicago musicians who must flee after noticing a mob hit. Desperate to avoid drawing attention to themselves, they dress up and join an all-female band led by the enchanting Sugar Kane (Monroe).
While Curtis tries to seduce Monroe by playing a Cary Grant impersonator, Lemmon is pursued by a wealthy bachelor (Joe E. Brown), resulting in one of the all-time greatest final lines. (Well, nobody’s perfect,” Brown says when he discovers his darling is actually a man).
Also Read: Blonde trailer: Fame makes Ana de Armas’ Marilyn Monroe come apart
4. The Seven Year Itch
The Seven Year Itch, directed by Billy Wilder, gave Monroe the image that would eventually define her: as a subway passes underground, a gust from the sidewalk gate blows her white dress upward, designing a legendary bombshell sex symbol for the ages.
The film is a highly censored version of George Axelrod’s hit play about a faithful husband (Tom Ewell) whose eye begins to wander towards his extremely hot upstairs neighbour (Monroe) when his wife and kids are away.
5. Bus Stop
Directed by Joshua Logan, Bus Stop stars Marilyn Monroe as a parlour singer who draws the attention of a naive rodeo actor (Don Murray). He tries to tirelessly woo her and even forces her to marry him and move to his Montana ranch. In the film, Monroe demonstrates that she was more than just a seductress in a role. She also earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Comedy/Musical Actress.
