“Marilyn Monroe: the eternal icon of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Her dazzling smile, captivating charm, and heartbreaking story have captivated audiences for generations. But behind the glamour and glitz, lies a complex and multifaceted woman, whose life was as tumultuous as it was fascinating. Recently, Ana de Armas brought this legend back to life on the big screen in the highly anticipated film ‘Blonde’, a cinematic tribute that has left many talking. However, the actress has now revealed that her portrayal was not made to win over the masses, but rather to delve into the depths of Marilyn’s soul. In a candid admission, de Armas confessed that ‘Blonde’ was ‘not made to please people’, sparking a provocative conversation about artistic expression, authenticity, and the enduring allure of Marilyn Monroe. Let’s dive into the story behind this unapologetic biopic and what it says about the enduring legacy of Hollywood’s most beloved siren.”
Ana de Armas on Blonde: A Film Not Made to Please People
Ana de Armas has spoken out in defense of the 2022 movie Blonde, in which she played movie star Marilyn Monroe. The film’s trailer sparked controversy, with many accusing it of exploitation. Director Andrew Dominik responded, “If the audience doesn’t like it, that’s the f*ing audience’s problem. It’s not running for public office.”
The Backlash Against Blonde: Understanding the Criticisms
After seeing the movie, many critics argued that it failed Marilyn Monroe herself. The Independent’s Amanda Whiting wrote, “Dominik’s fictionalized biopic of the tragic movie star doesn’t just fail Marilyn Monroe herself, but its use of a talking fetus begging not to be aborted – yes, really – sinks the film into new depths of invasiveness.”
Despite the backlash, the film received a 14-minute standing ovation at its world premiere in Venice. De Armas has now defended the movie, opening up about what it felt like to read the criticisms of it.
De Armas’ Defense of the Film: Setting the Record Straight
“It’s hard to hear these reactions,” de Armas told The Hollywood Reporter, “but you can always go back to what you experienced, and why you did it, and the reasons why you were attracted to the project. That is not going to change.”
“You have the director, and you have other actors that you can always talk to. As hard as it is to hear when people don’t like your film, it is what it is. It was not a movie that was made to please people or to make people like it. It is a hard movie to watch.”
De Armas continued, “I don’t think the movie speaks badly about her a bit. I think it’s the opposite. I think it speaks badly about the environment and the industry, and that’s a hard pill to swallow sometimes for other people in the business.”
“I feel like the movie also makes the audience feel like participants. We contributed at the time, and we still contribute, in the exploitation of actors, people in the public eye. We, the audience, do this. And I feel like it’s possible that some people have felt like [someone] pointed a finger at [them].”
The Making of Blonde: A Challenging yet Rewarding Experience
When de Armas first read the script, she thought Blonde felt like a “horror movie”. She explained, “I feel like the movie also makes the audience feel like participants. We contributed at the time, and we still contribute, in the exploitation of actors, people in the public eye. We, the audience, do this.”
From Script to Screen: De Armas’ Initial Reaction to the Script
De Armas’ motivation for taking on the role of Marilyn Monroe was to tell her story. She said, “I think it’s the opposite. I think it speaks badly about the environment and the industry, and that’s a hard pill to swallow sometimes for other people in the business.”
Overcoming Challenges: De Armas’ Preparation and Growth
To prepare for the role, de Armas underwent a physical and emotional transformation. She embodied Marilyn Monroe, and the experience had a significant impact on her career and personal life.
De Armas said, “You have the director, and you have other actors that you can always talk to. As hard as it is to hear when people don’t like your film, it is what it is. It was not a movie that was made to please people or to make people like it. It is a hard movie to watch.”
Beyond Blonde: De Armas’ Career and Future Projects
De Armas can next be seen in Apple’s romantic action movie Ghosted alongside Chris Evans.
The James Bond Experience: De Armas’ Role in No Time to Die
When Cary Joji Fukunaga offered de Armas a part in the James Bond film “No Time to Die”, she was excited but also hesitant. She said, “I loved working with Daniel Craig on ‘Knives Out’ and I wanted to work with Cary and even a tiny part in a James Bond film will make you known globally.”
However, the part had not been written yet, and de Armas didn’t want to play just the latest in a long line of sexy Bond girls. She said, “Times have changed and the women in Bond films need to be different.”
Ultimately, the character of Paloma was strong and self-sufficient, a peer to Bond in both charisma and gunplay – someone de Armas, and audiences, found irresistible.
Upcoming Projects: De Armas’ Exciting New Ventures
De Armas is open to more action movies – “as long as I can do the kicks and punches” – but says in the long run she prefers roles that are deeper character studies. She said, “I’m closer to ‘Blonde’ than Bond.”
With her latest projects, de Armas is set to continue making waves in the film industry, taking on complex and challenging roles that showcase her impressive range as an actress.
Conclusion
Here is a comprehensive conclusion for the article:
In conclusion, Ana de Armas’ bold statement about her upcoming film Blonde, a biographical drama about Marilyn Monroe, has sparked a crucial conversation about artistic freedom and the responsibility that comes with it. De Armas’ assertion that the film was “not made to please people” highlights the tensions between creative vision and audience expectations, raising important questions about the role of filmmakers in shaping our cultural narrative. Through Blonde, de Armas and director Andrew Dominik aim to humanize Marilyn Monroe, moving beyond the glamorous facade to reveal a complex, multifaceted individual. By doing so, they challenge the public’s perception of an American icon, sparking a necessary reevaluation of our cultural heritage.
The significance of Blonde lies not only in its portrayal of Marilyn Monroe but also in its broader implications for the film industry. De Armas’ statement underscores the importance of artistic autonomy, encouraging filmmakers to take risks and push boundaries, even in the face of potential backlash. As the cinematic landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial that we support and celebrate bold, uncompromising storytelling, even when it challenges our preconceptions. By doing so, we can foster a more dynamic, thought-provoking cultural landscape that truly reflects the complexity of human experience.