The only redeeming factor of this film is the early sequence, wherein Mary Haney (veteran actor, ""Little Girl Fly Away"".....and others), plays one of the foster mothers to Marilyn. We can see some of the history and abuse; which is probably never going to be completely analyzed, which led Marilyn to the profession she chose.
Ashley Judd is passable as young Norma Jean, but becomes the strident alter ego, which, tritely enough, is part of how the writer of this movie portrays Marilyn's untimely death. The film divides Marilyn into her past and present; with no real compassion or realistic explanation.
For the caricature of Marilyn in her superstar era, Mira Sorvino is not a good choice. She is too affected, and at one point you will get a few laughs when she throws spaghetti at former husband Joe DiMaggio. The casting director might have chosen someone less over the top; maybe Joanna Kerns or someone with a more intelligent persona. Although Marilyn, in real life, made it to the top by being a sex symbol; I don't think she was a blithering idiot, as she is portrayed here.
One performance which deserves mention is Lindsay Crouse, as Natasha Lytess, the venerable drama coach. She adds some class and talent to this film.
As for Marilyn's demise, we will probably never be told the truth, since there were too many unsavory characters taking advantage of her, and she was quite a lonely person, it seems. Read Anthony Summers book about Marilyn, which will give you the real information.
At any rate, watch the early part if you are interested in the real Marilyn. Then read the biography by Mr. Summers, or a few other recent books which utilize FACTS. Marilyn's life was sad, but it is even more tragic that she is still portrayed in such a way. She was obviously a woman with some talent and intelligence, especially to have been a successful actress in the era of the 50's and 60's.
Ashley Judd is passable as young Norma Jean, but becomes the strident alter ego, which, tritely enough, is part of how the writer of this movie portrays Marilyn's untimely death. The film divides Marilyn into her past and present; with no real compassion or realistic explanation.
For the caricature of Marilyn in her superstar era, Mira Sorvino is not a good choice. She is too affected, and at one point you will get a few laughs when she throws spaghetti at former husband Joe DiMaggio. The casting director might have chosen someone less over the top; maybe Joanna Kerns or someone with a more intelligent persona. Although Marilyn, in real life, made it to the top by being a sex symbol; I don't think she was a blithering idiot, as she is portrayed here.
One performance which deserves mention is Lindsay Crouse, as Natasha Lytess, the venerable drama coach. She adds some class and talent to this film.
As for Marilyn's demise, we will probably never be told the truth, since there were too many unsavory characters taking advantage of her, and she was quite a lonely person, it seems. Read Anthony Summers book about Marilyn, which will give you the real information.
At any rate, watch the early part if you are interested in the real Marilyn. Then read the biography by Mr. Summers, or a few other recent books which utilize FACTS. Marilyn's life was sad, but it is even more tragic that she is still portrayed in such a way. She was obviously a woman with some talent and intelligence, especially to have been a successful actress in the era of the 50's and 60's.