August 5, 2012

FILM THEORY 101: THE FILMS OF MARILYN MONROE



Although she appeared in 29 films, I chose these two to showcase.

Monroe had been working in movies for several years at this point, but The Asphalt Jungle (MGM, 1950) is the one that got Monroe her first notices by critics and moviegoers. Both were positive. A Film Noir classic, Monroe always said it was the best performance of her career.

The Misfits (United Artists, 1960) is kind of a strange film. The off-camera strain and dysfunction was notorious, and it's all right up there on the screen. However, it is the last film Monroe and Clark Gable appeared in, with both giving very good performances. In fact, many people believe (including myself) that this is the best Gable ever was on film.

Coincidentally, both films were directed by the legendary John Huston and if they're not on your Netflix queue, they should be.

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