As we approach the centenary of Marilyn Monroe’s birth, two major exhibitions are set to redefine our understanding of this iconic figure. Often pigeonholed as a mere sex symbol or a tragic figure enveloped in scandal, Monroe was, in fact, an astute innovator who transformed the landscape of female stardom. This summer, the British Film Institute (BFI) and the National Portrait Gallery will host a series of events aimed at showcasing her multifaceted contributions to cinema and culture.
A Summer of Reflection
Dubbed “the summer of Marilyn,” the celebrations will span two months, inviting audiences to delve into Monroe’s remarkable filmography and the carefully curated image she projected. Kimberley Sheehan, the BFI’s lead programmer, asserts, “Marilyn Monroe was quite possibly the biggest star cinema ever saw and will ever see.” This statement encapsulates the essence of Monroe’s enduring legacy—she is not just an icon but a formidable force who shaped her own narrative.
The BFI’s extensive programme kicks off on 1 June and runs until the end of July, spotlighting Monroe’s illustrious career through three thematic strands: *Star Attractions*, *Dramatic Turns*, and *Scene Stealers*. Each category will feature her most renowned performances, from her comedic brilliance in *Gentlemen Prefer Blondes* to the poignant depth she displayed in *The Misfits*.
Rediscovering the Performer
Sheehan encourages audiences to reassess Monroe beyond the surface-level glamour. “I hope audiences come to discover or rediscover the dynamite presence she brings to films,” she said. Monroe’s journey began with her first significant role in *Ladies of the Chorus* (1948) and culminated in her final, unfinished project, *Something’s Got To Give* (1962). Her collaborations with Hollywood luminaries reveal a performer who deftly navigated the complexities of both light-hearted and serious roles.
Central to the BFI’s celebration is the re-release of *The Misfits*, Monroe’s last completed film, which will be shown in cinemas across the UK and Ireland. Directed by John Huston and written by her then-husband Arthur Miller, the film explores themes of love and loss against the backdrop of the Nevada desert. “To many audiences, Monroe is an icon first and a performer second,” Sheehan contends, highlighting a disconnect between the myth and the man—or woman, in this case—behind the camera.
A Portrait of Reinvention
Simultaneously, the National Portrait Gallery will host *Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait*, running from June to September. This exhibition will feature works from renowned artists and photographers, including Andy Warhol and Richard Avedon, while also showcasing intimate, previously unseen photographs taken just before Monroe’s untimely death in August 1962.
The exhibition aims to illuminate Monroe’s role in crafting her own persona, a feat that was both empowering and challenging. “One of the greatest things she ever did was create the persona of ‘Marilyn Monroe’,” Sheehan explains, adding that Monroe’s struggle to escape this identity was a significant aspect of her later career. In an era when reinvention was rare, Monroe’s attempts to assert her creative control were often met with derision.
Legacy in the Modern Age
Sheehan draws parallels between Monroe and contemporary figures such as Taylor Swift and Madonna, both of whom have mastered the art of reinvention. “If Marilyn was around today, she could have been a Margot Robbie,” Sheehan reflects, envisioning a future in which Monroe’s artistic aspirations were fully realised. “I’d like to think that, if she’d lived longer, she would have had more of a chance.”
The exhibitions are not merely a retrospective; they challenge us to consider the progress that has been made in the entertainment industry and the distance that still remains. Monroe’s legacy serves as a reminder that the struggle for female agency in Hollywood is ongoing.
Why it Matters
Marilyn Monroe’s centenary is more than an opportunity to celebrate her filmography; it is a critical moment to reassess the societal narratives surrounding her life and career. By shifting the focus from the mythologised figure to the nuanced performer, we can better appreciate her impact on both cinema and cultural representation. As we honour her legacy, we also recognise the importance of continuing the dialogue about the challenges women face in the entertainment industry today. Monroe’s story is one of resilience and reinvention, and it resonates more powerfully than ever as we navigate the complexities of fame and artistry in the modern age.
