As the world gears up to celebrate the centenary of Marilyn Monroe’s birth, two prominent British cultural institutions are taking a bold step to rediscover the multifaceted star. The British Film Institute (BFI) and the National Portrait Gallery are launching an ambitious programme dubbed “the summer of Marilyn.” This initiative aims to elevate Monroe’s image beyond the confines of the sex symbol stereotype, highlighting her as a pioneering artist who redefined female stardom in cinema.
A New Lens on an Old Icon
Monroe’s legacy is often overshadowed by her tragic narrative and scandalous public life. However, Kimberley Sheehan, BFI’s lead programmer, asserts that Monroe was far more than a mere icon of beauty. “She was quite possibly the biggest star cinema ever saw and will ever see,” Sheehan stated, emphasising her role as the “original triple threat.” The forthcoming exhibitions seek to peel back the layers of her carefully constructed persona, showcasing her as a sagacious performer who not only crafted her own image but also challenged the industry’s status quo.
Opening on 1 June and running through the end of July, the BFI’s season will feature a comprehensive retrospective of Monroe’s filmography. The exhibition will be organised into three distinct sections: “Star Attractions,” dedicated to her iconic musicals and comedies; “Dramatic Turns,” which will spotlight her more serious roles; and “Scene Stealers,” showcasing her remarkable performances in supporting parts that left audiences captivated.
Reassessing Monroe’s Filmography
Sheehan expressed hopes that attendees will either discover or rediscover Monroe’s magnetic presence in films such as *Gentlemen Prefer Blondes* and *How to Marry a Millionaire*. “The heartbreaking depth of *The Misfits* and the nuanced performances in *Clash by Night* and *All About Eve* reveal a range that is often overlooked,” she noted.
Monroe’s journey begins with her breakout role in *Ladies of the Chorus* (1948) and stretches to her unfinished project, *Something’s Got to Give* (1962), a testament to her evolution as an actress. Throughout her career, she navigated the waters of Hollywood’s glitzy yet confining environment, gradually asserting her agency as a performer and producer. The BFI aims to invite a reassessment of Monroe as a trailblazing figure who not only entertained but also instigated change within the industry.
A notable highlight of the BFI’s season is the re-release of *The Misfits* (1961), directed by John Huston and penned by Arthur Miller, Monroe’s husband at the time. This poignant narrative about lost souls in the Nevada desert is a fitting tribute to her enduring legacy, allowing contemporary audiences to appreciate the depth of her final completed performance.
The Artistic Exploration at the National Portrait Gallery
Concurrently, the National Portrait Gallery will host *Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait*, running from June to September. This exhibition promises to be a visual feast, showcasing works by renowned artists and photographers such as Andy Warhol, Richard Avedon, and Pauline Boty. It offers a unique lens into Monroe’s artistic journey, exploring her role in shaping her image and her profound influence on visual culture.
A standout feature of this exhibition is the inclusion of previously unseen photographs taken by Allan Grant for Life magazine, capturing intimate moments at Monroe’s Brentwood home just a day before her untimely death in August 1962. This glimpse into her private life serves to humanise the icon, reminding visitors that behind the glamorous façade, there existed a complex individual navigating fame and personal struggles.
Monroe’s collaborative approach to her image-making is also a central theme of the exhibition. She didn’t merely pose for the camera; she directed shoots and exercised control over the images that represented her. “One of the greatest things she ever did was create the persona of ‘Marilyn Monroe’,” Sheehan remarked. Yet, this very creation proved to be a double-edged sword, complicating her desire for reinvention as she battled against the constraints imposed by a male-dominated industry.
A Legacy Still Relevant
As we approach this centennial celebration, it is essential to reflect on Monroe’s lasting impact on the landscape of modern entertainment. Sheehan draws parallels between Monroe and contemporary stars like Taylor Swift and Madonna, who have successfully navigated their careers through reinvention. “If Marilyn were alive today, she could have been a Margot Robbie—an actress with significant clout and creative control,” Sheehan muses, suggesting that Monroe’s legacy could have manifested differently in a more progressive era.
Why it Matters
The re-examination of Marilyn Monroe’s life and work is not merely a nostalgic look back; it is a crucial dialogue about the evolution of female representation in the entertainment industry. By presenting her as a dynamic artist rather than a mere symbol of allure, these exhibitions challenge audiences to reconsider the narratives surrounding female stars. Monroe’s story is a powerful reminder of the complexities that lie behind the glamour, urging us to appreciate not only her contributions to film but also the broader implications of her struggle for autonomy in an industry that frequently seeks to define women through a limited lens.
