Filmmaker Andrew Dominik has commented on the response his latest film, “Blonde,” received after its debut in September.
The director of “Killing Them Softly” stated that most of the criticism came from the American audience. He explained that they wanted to see an empowered Monroe in the film; instead, they get to see the unattractive side of the Hollywood icon.
The role was portrayed by Ana de Armas, who has since received critical acclaim for her performance. The “Knives Out” actor previously discussed his intensive preparation to portray the role of the deceased star.
Read below for more details.
Andrew Dominik Slams Viewers For Their Criticism Of Marilyn Monroe’s Portrayal In ‘Blonde’
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During his appearance at the Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, Dominik discussed the reception of his new Netflix film “Blonde,” which centers on the rise and fall of Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe.
He said the biography had caused a stir following its premiere in Venice and its release on Netflix, noting that American audiences had the most hostile response to the film.
“They hate that movie!” the director said, explaining that the anger stemmed from how his film highlighted the less attractive aspects of Monroe instead of upholding the normal and proper narrative of the late icon.
“Now we live in a time when it’s important to present women as empowered, and they want to reinvent Marilyn Monroe as an empowered woman. That’s what they want to see,” explained Dominik again, per Hollywood Reporter. “And if you don’t show it to them, it hurts them.”
Andrew Dominik Accused of Exploiting Marilyn Monroe
Instagram/Ana de Armas
Since the release of Blonde, Dominik has been accused of exploiting Monroe. In response, he argued that the claim was invalid because Monroe was no longer alive.
He added, “What they really mean is that the film exploits their memory of him, their image of him, which is fair enough. But that’s the whole idea of the film. It tries to take the iconography of his life and put it in the service of something else, it tries taking things you know, and changing their meaning. But that’s what they don’t want to see.”
Despite the polarized views of “Blonde,” Dominik claimed that “tens of millions of people” have streamed the film on Netflix since it premiered on the platform on September 28. He also noted that Hollywood films are becoming “more conservative,” adding that he has no desire to make such films in the future regardless of the backlash that might come his way.
‘blonde’
Instagram/Ana De Armas
The film stars Ana de Armas as the main character and is inspired by the novel of the same title written by Joyce Carol.
Most films are shot in black and white along with the use of shifting aspect ratios. It highlights Monroe’s troubled childhood, her rise to fame, her failed marriage, and how she later became dependent on drugs and alcohol, which she eventually overdosed on.
Playing supporting roles in the film are Bobby Cannavale, Xavier Samuel, Adrien Brody, and Julianne Nicholson. Meanwhile, Tracey Landon, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, and Scott Robertson produced the film.
Armas’ performance has received critical acclaim from critics despite the backlash against the film. Monroe’s estate and Pitt’s producers also publicly praised the “Knives Out” actress’ performance in the film.
How Ana de Armas Prepared for Her Role in ‘Blonde’
Instagram/Ana De Armas
The Cuban actor prepared to play the role by doing some in-depth research that involved him rummaging through the icon’s memorabilia.
“I read Joyce’s novels, studied hundreds of photographs, videos, audio recordings, films — anything I could get my hands on. Each scene is inspired by an existing photograph. We will examine every detail in the picture and debate what happened in it,” said Armas, per New York Post.
The actress also discussed how Norma Jeane Mortensen, which was the original name of the Hollywood icon, was passed down while Monroe was still alive.
He added, “We wanted to tell the human side of her story. Fame is what makes Marilyn the most visible person in the world, but it also makes Norma the most invisible.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
