During a conversation with Eddie Redmayne for Variety’s Actors on Actors series, Hollywood superstar Ana de Armas spoke about her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in Andrew Dominik’s controversial Blonde. Based on the fictional novel of the same name by Joyce Carol Oates, Blonde dives into the darker aspects of the American icon’s life, something audiences and critics have found jarring. Some critics argue that by highlighting years of abuse and exploitation endured by Monroe, the film further exploits the late actress.
De Armas believes that audiences are struggling with the film because it contradicts the image that most have of Monroe. She tells Redmayne:
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Film director Dominik recently echoed something similar, saying that he felt audiences were disappointed that Monroe wasn’t portrayed as an empowered woman. While the film has received mixed critical reviews, de Armas has received consistent praise for her portrayal of Norma Jeane/Marilyn. During the film’s premiere at the Venice Film Festival, the actress received a 14-minute ovation. Redmayne praised de Armas during their talk, telling her he was “astounded” by her work on the film and later saying the actress’s “range is insane” when comparing the movie to her other projects.
“There is this photographic memory that we all have of Marilyn. So we think we know what was happening at that time. The film is giving a different interpretation to those images, mixed with the story of the book. I think that’s what has been tough for the audience to understand about the movie; the emotional truth is so powerful in the film that it’s hard to separate that it’s not a biopic. I’ve heard, ‘You missed this part of her life,’ and ‘She was not only sad or depressed.’ And I’m like, ‘I know, but we’re not telling that story.’
Ana de Armas Casting Backlash
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Controversy followed the film even before its premiere, with some commenting that de Armas, who is Cuban, should not have been cast as Monroe. However, Dominik and Brad Pitt, who served as a producer for the film under his Plan B banner, quickly came to the actress’ defense, with Marylin Monroe’s estate later speaking up to commend the casting choice following the release of the official trailer.
About being cast as Monroe, de Armas told Redmayne:
De Armas also said that the film was played in her native land, with subtitles, to packed houses for a couple of days. Blonde is available to stream on Netflix.
“At the beginning, it felt like, ‘How is this Australian director thinking that a Cuban woman can play Marilyn Monroe? He’s insane.’ It was not supposed to happen. It is one of these roles that you think about, but that’s not going to be you. Not in cinema, at least. In theater, sometimes you get to play parts that are very far from who you are. So for me, getting this role was a very personal challenge. It was an opportunity for me to prove to myself what I could do, what my limitations were.”
