Ahead of the Wide Release of Marilyn Monroe’s Biopic blond on Netflix, the cast and crew continue to promise a stunning performance from lead actor Ana de Armas. Written and directed by Andrew Dominik, Blonde is an adaptation of the original book by Joyce Carol Oates. Rated NC-17, the film will hit limited theaters September 16 before streaming on Netflix September 28. It was recently screened at the Venice International Film Festival, where it was received with a 14-minute standing ovation.
Blonde also occurs Adrien Brody in a key role as playwright Arthur Miller, Monroe’s third husband. Speak with Variety prior to the film’s release, Brody had some glowing things to say about his co-star. According to Brody, Armas had been so convincing with her portrayal of Monroe that it was like stepping into a time machine and traveling straight back to that era. As Brody explains, that was clear from their first day on set.
“I was transported to another time and place. I really thought she was channeling [Marilyn] — she brought a nuanced, emotional presence [and] connected impression of her. I’m still blown away by it. It was really impressive.”
Brody also teased that even big Monroe fans might understand the late Hollywood legend better after watching it blond.
“I think the beauty of the movie is that it’s an aspect of [Marilyn’s] life that is probably not so clearly defined in the hearts and minds of most people. If you’re really a fan, you’d probably want to know a little more about her life and her reality, and what she struggled with to do all that amazing work and represent the image that everyone is going to love.”
Ana de Armas is the perfect choice for Marilyn Monroe, Co-Stars Say
Actor Evan Williams, who can also be seen in blond as late actor Edward G. Robinson Jr., said Ana de Armas is perfect as Marilyn Monroe. As far as Williams sees it, the casting goes beyond the impressive acting that Armas puts in the role. Williams also says that Armas was able to bring some authenticity to the playing of Monroe, as they both had the same understanding of the audience.
“Over there [wasn’t] a better choice to play Marilyn because art imitates life. [Ana] knows so much about the way the public wants something from her, so she could talk to that, and she does it with flying colors.”
There was some criticism of Armas’s casting when it was first revealed, as some people on social media believed that a Cuban actress should not play the Hollywood legend. However, those involved stood behind her casting, including producer Brad Pitt who called the performance “phenomenal.” The Marilyn Monroe Estate also defended the casting in a statement, making it clear that they were happy to have Armas in the film.
blond will be released for streaming on Netflix on September 28, 2022, after its first showing in limited theaters from September 16.