My Week with Marilyn

Biopics are usually a safe bet for a high-quality film. As with past films, such as "Walk the Line", "Moneyball" and "J.Edgar", this proves that concept. "My Week with Marilyn" just proves that concept once again with a well acted, directed and written film that will leave you in awe.
Film student Colin Clark (Eddie Redmayne), an employee of Sir Laurence Olivier (Kenneth Branagh) documents the tense interaction between Olivier and Marilyn Monroe (Michelle Williams) during production of "The Prince and the Showgirl" which is being shot in England's famed Pinewood Studios back in 1956.

Olivier struggles to meet Monroe's many demands and acting ineptness, whereas Colin is intrigued by her. Colin's intrigue is answered when Marilyn invites him into her world where she struggles with fame, her beauty and her desire to be a great actress. 

Others to round out the cast are Dominic Cooper as Milton Greene, Julia Ormond as Vivien Leigh, Dougray Scott as Arthur Miller, husband of Monroe, Zoe Wanamaker as Paula Strasberg, Monroe's overly protective acting coach, Emma Watson as Lucy, Toby Jones as Arthur Jacobs, and Judi Dench as Dame Sybil Thorndike.

This was incredibly well directed by Simon Curtis whose resume consists of all TV. As well as this was directed, Curtis certainly has quite the future in feature films where he will be in demand. This was equally well written by Adrian Hodges based on the books, "My Week with Marilyn" and "The Prince, the Showgirl and Me" by Colin Clark. It was incredibly insightful for Clark to chronicle his experiences with Marilyn and the production, because it definitely made for a perfect subject matter to make a film. What pains me is to realize how troubled Marilyn Monroe was. Her 'baggage' perpetually got in her way.

Come Oscar time, the film, Williams, Branagh and possibly Redmayne could be looking at nominations. Certainly costumes, art direction and photography will be looking at nods. If you are looking for a high-quality, well acted and artfully done film, this will fit the bill. For crying out loud, Michelle Williams even does her own singing. I'm telling you, one could shut their eyes and swear they were hearing Marilyn Monroe herself. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.

Out of 4 stars: 4                     Rated: R                        99min.