My Week with Marilyn

"It's agony because he's a great actor who wants to be a film star, and you're a film star who wants to be a great actress. This film won't help either of you."

Colin Clark (Redmayne) comes from a wealthy family and is afforded every opportunity, but what he really wants is make movies.  He uses his contacts to get a job on the set of the film The Prince and the Showgirl, directed by and starring legendary actor Laurence Olivier (Branagh).  Olivier hired American actress, Marilyn Monroe (Williams) to play the female lead.  But things on set are not smooth.

Marilyn is late to set and refuses to go anywhere without her acting coach Paula (Wanamaker).  Colin is tasked with getting her to set and keeping her happy.  Colin is intrigued by Marilyn, and is welcomed into her life: struggles and all.


Based on the journals of Colin Clark, about his experience on the set of The Prince and the Showgirl.  Clark served as the third director on The Prince and the Showgirl, and eventually turned the experience into two books "My Week with Marilyn" and "The Prince, the Showgirl, and Me," which became the basis for this film.

There is always a risk when you portray a famous actor or actress: people will always compare your version to the real thing.  Marilyn Monroe is an icon and consistently referenced in popular culture.  In addition to this film, she is the focus of the TV show Smash, which features a potential Broadway musical about her life.  I enjoyed Michelle Williams in the film, and she was nominated for an Oscar for her performance.  Kenneth Branagh is also a standout as Sir Laurence Olivier.  He captures Olivier's mannerisms and voice and slides perfectly into the role.  He was also nominated for an Oscar for the role.

The rest of the cast is ok, but not as engaging as Williams and Branagh.  Julia Ormond is ok, but forgettable as Vivien Leigh.  And Dougray Scott is an interesting choice for playwright and Marilyn's husband, Arthur Miller.  Overall, a decent cast, although it was weird to see Emma Watson play a character outside the Harry Potter universe.

A good film, but not great.  I enjoyed it while it was on, but don't remember much about the film afterwards.

My Week with Marilyn (2011) 99 minutes
Rating: R for some language
Director: Simon Curtis
Starring: Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe
Kenneth Branagh as Sir Laurence Olivier
Eddie Redmayne as Colin Clark
Dominic Cooper as Milton Greene
Philip Jackson as Roger Smith
Toby Jones as Arthur Jacobs
Julia Ormond as Vivien Leigh
Dougray Scott as Arthur Miller
Zoe Wanamaker as Paula Strasberg