Marilyn Monroe: The Mortal Goddess (1994)

Marilyn Monroe: The Mortal Goddess Poster

An account of the life and career of Marilyn Monroe, one of Hollywood's most famous and glamorous movie stars.

Intro
"Marilyn Monroe: The Mortal Goddess" is a compelling 1994 documentary that narrates the life and profession of one of Hollywood's many renowned figures, Marilyn Monroe. Through a mix of archival video footage and interviews with friends, associates, and scholars, the movie delves into Monroe's journey from a distressed youth to her increase as a global superstar, and eventually, her terrible and unfortunate death.

Early Life and Rise to Fame
The movie starts by checking out Marilyn Monroe's early years. Born Norma Jeane Mortenson in 1926, she had an unsteady childhood, consisting of time in foster care and an early marriage at the age of sixteen to leave her life scenarios. Monroe's natural appeal and charisma quickly caught the eye of professional photographers, and she began a successful modeling profession, which eventually caused her signing a movie contract.

Her early roles were minor, however Monroe's appeal and talent were indisputable. With her sensual image, breathy voice, and comedic timing, she ended up being a standout in various productions, amassing more attention from the public and movie market. Her breakout role in "Niagara" was followed by a string of successful films, including "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and "How to Marry a Millionaire", which sealed her status as a sex symbol and significant box-office draw.

Fame and Struggles
As Monroe's fame grew, so did the pressure to maintain her public image as the blonde bombshell. "Marilyn Monroe: The Mortal Goddess" explores the dichotomy in between her public personality and personal life. Monroe yearned to be taken seriously as an actress and branched off into more significant roles, as seen in films like "Bus Stop" and "The Misfits".

The documentary highlights her battle for imaginative control and respect within the male-dominated Hollywood market. Her challenging marriages to baseball icon Joe DiMaggio and playwright Arthur Miller, in addition to her fight with studio executives, were emblematic of her mission for personal and expert satisfaction.

Individual difficulties, such as dependency to prescription medications and bouts of depression, are examined in the movie as factors to Monroe's declining health.

Cultural Impact and Legacy
One of the styles "Marilyn Monroe: The Mortal Goddess" tackles is how Monroe became a sign of the altering attitudes towards sexuality in the 1950s and how she handled to transcend her image to become a lasting cultural figure. From her well-known rendition of "Happy Birthday" for President John F. Kennedy to her iconic white gown moment in "The Seven Year Itch", Monroe's impact extended beyond her film roles.

The documentary likewise resolves the speculation surrounding her death in 1962, at age 36, and how it has actually been shrouded in conspiracy theories and reports because of her alleged relationships with powerful figures, including the Kennedys.

Conclusion
In summarizing Monroe's life and profession, "Marilyn Monroe: The Mortal Goddess" paints a portrait of a female who was at once susceptible and strong, exploited and powerful. The film argues that Monroe should be kept in mind not only for her appeal and movies but likewise for her impact on the entertainment industry and her contribution to the bigger cultural discourse.

Her story is revealed as a cautionary tale about the expenses of popularity and the human behind the public figure, questioning the rate she paid for her never-ceasing Hollywood legacy. Ultimately, the documentary acts as both an event and an evaluation of the complex figure that was Marilyn Monroe, whose legend continues to interest and provoke dispute to this day.

Top Cast

  • Marilyn Monroe (small)
    Marilyn Monroe
    Self (archive footage)
  • Sheree North (small)
    Sheree North
    Self
  • Don Murray (small)
    Don Murray
    Self
  • Susan Strasberg (small)
    Susan Strasberg
    Self
  • Eli Wallach (small)
    Eli Wallach
    Self
  • Arthur C. Miller
    Self (archive footage)
  • Joe DiMaggio (small)
    Joe DiMaggio
    Self (archive footage)
  • James Dougherty
    Self
  • George Cukor (small)
    George Cukor
    Self (archive footage)
  • Peter Graves (small)
    Peter Graves
    Self - Host
  • Evelyn Moriarty
    Self