My Week with Marilyn, a 2011 British biographical drama film, earned Michelle Williams the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for her captivating portrayal of Marilyn Monroe. This intimate glimpse into a pivotal week during the filming of The Prince and the Showgirl offers a unique perspective on the iconic actress.
Exploring the Golden Globe-Winning Performance and the Film’s Context
My Week with Marilyn doesn’t simply present a biographical account of Marilyn Monroe’s life. Instead, it focuses on a specific and formative period: her time in England filming The Prince and the Showgirl in 1956, seen through the eyes of Colin Clark, a young production assistant. The film delves into the complexities of Monroe’s personality, her struggles with insecurity, and her desire for genuine connection, all while showcasing the magic and chaos of filmmaking. Williams’ performance resonated deeply with critics and audiences alike, capturing not just Monroe’s external appearance but also her inner turmoil and vulnerability.
Her win at the 69th Golden Globe Awards in 2012 solidified the film’s critical success and highlighted the impact of her portrayal. While other films have depicted Marilyn Monroe, My Week with Marilyn uniquely captures her as a real person, not just a manufactured star. The film’s success hinges not only on Williams’ performance but also on the strong supporting cast, including Eddie Redmayne as Colin Clark, Kenneth Branagh as Laurence Olivier, and Judi Dench as Sybil Thorndike. The interplay between these characters provides a rich tapestry of perspectives on Monroe’s life and the world she inhabited.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of My Week with Marilyn
The film’s creation involved meticulous research and a deep understanding of the source material. Colin Clark’s diaries, which detailed his experiences on the set of The Prince and the Showgirl, provided the foundation for the screenplay. The filmmakers aimed for accuracy in depicting the historical context and capturing the atmosphere of the Pinewood Studios in the 1950s. Costume design played a significant role in recreating Monroe’s iconic look, while makeup and hair styling further enhanced Williams’ transformation.
The Challenges of Portraying an Icon
Taking on the role of Marilyn Monroe presented a significant challenge for any actress. Williams faced the daunting task of embodying a figure who has been extensively documented and mythologized. She approached the role with dedication and respect, immersing herself in Monroe’s biography, studying her films, and working with a vocal coach to perfect her voice. Williams understood that capturing Monroe’s essence required more than just physical resemblance; it demanded an understanding of her emotional landscape and her struggles with fame and personal identity. The film cleverly uses the perspective of Colin Clark to provide a fresh angle on Monroe, allowing the audience to see her as a complex and multifaceted individual, rather than simply a glamorous icon.
FAQs About My Week with Marilyn and its Golden Globe Triumph
Below are some frequently asked questions providing further insight into the film and its award-winning performance:
FAQ 1: What specifically did Michelle Williams win the Golden Globe for?
Michelle Williams won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in My Week with Marilyn.
FAQ 2: Was My Week with Marilyn nominated for any other major awards?
Yes, besides the Golden Globe win, Michelle Williams was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance. Eddie Redmayne received a BAFTA nomination for his supporting role as Colin Clark.
FAQ 3: What is My Week with Marilyn based on?
The film is based on two books by Colin Clark, The Prince, the Showgirl and Me and My Week with Marilyn, chronicling his experiences as a young production assistant on the set of The Prince and the Showgirl.
FAQ 4: Did the film accurately depict Marilyn Monroe’s relationship with Laurence Olivier?
The film presents a dramatized version of their relationship, based on Clark’s perspective. While it highlights the professional tension and personal clashes between Monroe and Olivier, it’s important to remember that it is a subjective interpretation of events. There are debates surrounding the complete accuracy of Clark’s memories.
FAQ 5: Where was My Week with Marilyn filmed?
The film was primarily shot in the United Kingdom, specifically at Pinewood Studios, the same studio where The Prince and the Showgirl was filmed in 1956, adding to its authenticity.
FAQ 6: How did Michelle Williams prepare for the role of Marilyn Monroe?
Williams underwent extensive preparation, including studying Monroe’s films, reading biographies, working with a vocal coach to emulate her distinctive voice, and gaining weight to more closely resemble Monroe’s physique. She focused on understanding Monroe’s inner vulnerabilities and emotional complexities.
FAQ 7: What makes My Week with Marilyn different from other Marilyn Monroe biopics?
My Week with Marilyn stands apart by focusing on a specific and intimate period in Monroe’s life, seen through the eyes of an outsider. It avoids a comprehensive, cradle-to-grave biography, instead offering a focused and nuanced portrayal of her personality and challenges during a particular moment in time.
FAQ 8: What was the critical reception of My Week with Marilyn besides the Golden Globe recognition?
The film received generally positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for Michelle Williams’ performance. Critics lauded her ability to capture both the external glamour and the internal struggles of Marilyn Monroe.
FAQ 9: Who directed My Week with Marilyn?
The film was directed by Simon Curtis.
FAQ 10: Was there any controversy surrounding the film?
While generally well-received, some critics questioned the historical accuracy of Colin Clark’s account and the portrayal of Laurence Olivier.
FAQ 11: Is My Week with Marilyn considered a definitive Marilyn Monroe biopic?
No. Because it focuses on such a specific and brief period, it’s not considered a definitive biography. It offers a unique and valuable perspective, but doesn’t encompass her entire life and career.
FAQ 12: Where can I watch My Week with Marilyn?
My Week with Marilyn is available for streaming on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and through rentals on YouTube and Google Play Movies. Availability may vary depending on your region.
Legacy and Impact of the Film
My Week with Marilyn revitalized interest in Marilyn Monroe and cemented Michelle Williams’ status as a leading actress. The film’s success demonstrates the enduring fascination with Monroe and the power of well-crafted biographical storytelling. The Golden Globe win served as a testament to Williams’ dedication and the film’s ability to capture the essence of a Hollywood icon in a fresh and compelling way. Beyond its critical acclaim, the film offered audiences a more human and relatable portrayal of Marilyn Monroe, reminding us that behind the glamour and fame lay a complex and vulnerable individual.