Marilyn at last: August, 5 1962

5 weeks ago I started writing a series of articles about Marilyn, planning to write the last article on the 50th anniversary of her death. Which is today. Therefore, today is the last entry on this subject. More than an article, it is meant to be as a thought, an humble and unpretentious homage.

In fact, this is a day to remember and to celebrate. Even the more common television channels know that and you are bound to find a few Monroe's movie on tonight.

A woman, an actress, a diva, an icon. Marilyn was all these things and much more.

One thing everyone seems to agree on is that she wanted to be a good actress. On this day, it seems right to celebrate her by watching her doing what she strived to do best: act. I know I will.

Marilyn the immortal

What is it that makes a human being a legend? For instance, what made Norma/Marilyn one?

I am sure that a lot of people already have their idea on this and I am pretty certain that many people have a quite common opinion of this subject. I would say that my personal opinion is in line with the common opinion; but, maybe, the fact that it is so obvious, makes it all the more true.

Marilyn at Niagara Falls

For Marilyn 3.0, I think that discussing a movie in which she played a slighlty different role than usual is appropriate.

I would say this picture is less outrageously famous than the others, hence I will very slightly go into the plot. Niagara falls: two couple's lives meet up by chance, while on vacations by the Falls. One couple is just ordinary; the other one is going through some major crisis: Rose (Monroe) is too beautiful for her jelous husband (Cotten). Pink dresses, hints of mental desease, a young lover ready to do everything add up to a criminal climax.

Some Like It Hot: Marilyn at her best

This is a very easy choise, but you cannot talk about Marilyn without talking about this movie. You just cant.

Two weeks ago, there was a showing of this picture in a theater here in Milan. The room was full and I rarely saw people enjoying so much and laughing so genuinely at a movie, especially when the movie is from 1959 and half the people had already seen. It is always heartening seeing people celebrate the classics.

Marilyn Monroe 1.0: how others see her

In 5 weeks from now, it will be the 50th anniversary of her death (August 5 1962 is the day she died). In the next 5 weeks, I will be celebrating her legend with 5 entries about her, starting today.

Introducing Classics

I have not been writing for a while now. One thing I had in mind to do when I started this blog is something I have not done yet: sections, you know, like specific colums in a newspaper. Something that comes back every week or so with a new content but maybe the same theme, or the same tone, or the same author.