"Marilyn Monroe: Beyond the Diamonds - Unveiling the Real Icon"

 

Photographed for Times News

In the glittering realm of Hollywood's golden age, one name shone brighter than the rest—Marilyn Monroe. A woman with a beautiful smile was hiding a complicated life full of dreams, struggles, and an unbreakable spirit. As she famously said, 

"A wise girl knows her limits; a smart girl knows she has none." 

Let's delve into the enigma that was Marilyn Monroe, exploring the highs, the lows, and the indelible mark she left on the world.

The Iconic Rendition: Diamonds, Pink Satin, and the Birth of a Legend

Marilyn Monroe was a legendary actress who was beautiful without shame, had a magnetic personality, and was a trailblazer who changed the course of Hollywood history forever. Her famous performance of "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" in the 1953 musical comedy "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" not only wowed audiences, it became a cultural phenomenon that made her famous for all time. 

Song clip from "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" [2]

The choice to make diamonds the main theme of the show wasn't just for looks' sake. Because of how beautiful she was, Marilyn Monroe turned diamonds from valuable gems into a sign of beauty, sophistication, and the height of wealth. The performance was a visual treat that showed off Marilyn's perfect style and her natural ability to get people's attention. 

The famous dress made of pink satin by William Travilla became just as famous as the show. The shape-hugging dress Marilyn wore, the sparkle of her diamonds, and her beautiful smile made her a memorable sight that people all over the world will always remember.

The Glamour, Lavishness, and Iconography of Marilyn

Marilyn's rise to fame was nothing less than meteoric. Her unmatched beauty and lavish lifestyle made her an icon, representing the height of Hollywood glamour. Marilyn became a cultural phenomenon that went beyond her movie roles. She changed not only what people watched but also what they wanted to be.

While she was a model, Marilyn got ready to become a star. Because she was so good in front of the camera as a model, she moved on to Hollywood and became the first woman to get script and director approval, which was a big deal. This was an important turning point in the business; it challenged norms and set an example for actresses to follow.

The Real Marilyn: Flawed, Yet Extraordinary

Marilyn Monroe embodied the racy allure of Hollywood. She was glamorous, expensive, and unquestionably famous. In the world of fashion, her one-of-a-kind aura changed trends and paved the way for an era of glamour that still spells romance to this day. Remarkably, Marilyn seamlessly transitioned from a successful model to a trailblazer, becoming the first woman in Hollywood to wield script and director approval. Over the course of her illustrious career, she produced 29 films, a testament to her prowess and influence in an industry known for its challenges and barriers.

Yet, beyond the glittering facade of stardom, Marilyn was a woman of extraordinary depth and complexity. Her flaws were woven into the narrative of her life, humanizing her in a way that resonated with audiences. Kind, thoughtful, warm, and loving, Marilyn's off-screen persona revealed a person who cared deeply about the world around her. Her courage shone through in her support for civil rights—a stance that defied the norms of her time—and her willingness to speak out about abuse, a rare act of bravery in an era where such revelations were often silenced.

On her way to becoming a star, Marilyn overcame a lot of problems. Starting out as a model, she got her first movie role in 1946 and went from being Norma Jeane Dougherty to becoming the famous Marilyn Monroe. Even though some people did not believe Marilyn could act, she silenced them by winning many awards and bringing huge crowds to theaters all over the world. Her achievements not only shattered glass ceilings but also redefined the landscape of Hollywood for generations to come.

The Journey to Stardom: Marilyn's Career in Acting

Step into the enchanting world of Marilyn Monroe's illustrious career, where each performance is a testament to her undeniable charisma and cinematic brilliance. Join me as I unveil the top 3 performance  that define Marilyn's versatility and leave an enduring legacy in the heart of Hollywood. 

"Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953): 

Marilyn's iconic performance as Lorelei Lee showcased her comedic timing, musical talent, and undeniable charm starring alongside Jane Russell. The rendition of "Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend" remains a defining moment in Hollywood history .

 

Movie clip from"Gentlemen Prefer Blondes"[5]

"How to Marry a Millionaire" (1953): 

Starring alongside Betty Grable and Lauren Bacall, Marilyn showcased her comedic brilliance. The film was a box office success and further solidified her status as a leading lady.

Movie clip from" How to Marry a Millionaire"[2]

Some Like It Hot" (1959): 

Paired with Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, Marilyn's role as Sugar Kane in this classic comedy demonstrated her ability to balance humor and vulnerability. The film is widely regarded as one of the greatest comedies of all time.

Movie clip from "Some Like It Hot" [2]

It is not enough to say that Marilyn Monroe was a Hollywood star; she was a natural force that changed what fame, beauty, and strength mean. Her legacy extends far beyond the silver screen, standing as a testament to the enduring power of authenticity, courage, and the pursuit of one's dreams against all odds.

Reference: 

[1]https://www.npr.org/2022/01/14/1072768298/reframed-marilyn-monroes-documentary-review

[2]http://thefilmexperience.net/blog/2023/6/22/a-marilyn-monroe-top-ten.html

[3]https://twitter.com/RetroReelApp/status/1307939440782761984

[4]https://www.hagerty.com/media/entertainment/the-cars-of-marilyn-monroe-60-years-after-her-death/

[5]https://www.cornel1801.com/Gentlemen-Prefer-Blondes-When-Love-Goes-Wrong.html

Written by, 

Sanchita Rahman

ID: 23236020