Marilyn Monroe, often relegated to the status of a mere sex symbol or a tragic figure caught in scandal, is being celebrated anew as a pioneering creative force in a series of exhibitions and film retrospectives this summer. To commemorate the centenary of her birth, the British Film Institute (BFI) and the National Portrait Gallery are embarking on an ambitious project that seeks to illuminate her multifaceted career and lasting influence on cinema and popular culture.
A New Perspective on an Icon
This summer promises to be a transformative period for fans and newcomers alike, as the BFI unveils a two-month retrospective of Monroe’s work alongside the National Portrait Gallery’s exhibition dedicated to her artistic legacy. “The summer of Marilyn” aims to delve deeper into the actress’s career, showcasing her not just as a glamorous star but as a shrewd architect of her own image and a significant figure in changing the landscape of female stardom.
Kimberley Sheehan, the BFI’s lead programmer, encapsulated Monroe’s significance, stating, “She was quite possibly the biggest star cinema ever saw and will ever see.” The programme will feature a diverse selection of her performances, ranging from iconic musicals to her more serious dramatic roles, allowing audiences to experience the breadth of her talent.
Exhibitions that Reshape the Narrative
The BFI’s exhibition, “Marilyn Monroe: Self Made Star,” kicks off on 1 June and runs until the end of July. This showcase is meticulously curated into three distinct strands: “Star Attractions,” highlighting her legendary musicals and comedies; “Dramatic Turns,” focusing on her serious roles; and “Scene Stealers,” which celebrates her smaller yet impactful performances.
Sheehan emphasised the importance of rediscovering Monroe’s work, noting that films such as *Gentlemen Prefer Blondes* and *The Misfits* reveal her incredible range. “Even smaller roles, with scene-stealing turns in *Clash by Night* and *All About Eve*, reveal the range and nuance she possessed,” she remarked. The retrospective also aims to challenge the prevailing myths surrounding Monroe and to view her as a dynamic performer who defied the constraints of the studio system.
As part of this celebration, BFI Distribution will re-release *The Misfits* (1961), Monroe’s last completed film, in cinemas across the UK and Ireland. Directed by John Huston and penned by her then-husband Arthur Miller, this poignant tale of lost souls in the Nevada desert showcases Monroe at her most vulnerable and powerful.
A Cultural Icon Reimagined
At the National Portrait Gallery, “Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait” will run from June to September, presenting works from renowned artists and photographers such as Andy Warhol and Richard Avedon. This exhibition seeks to analyse the intricate process of how Monroe crafted her public persona, while also offering a glimpse into her personal life through previously unseen photographs taken just before her untimely death in August 1962.
Monroe’s ability to shape her image is underscored in this exhibition, which illustrates her collaborative approach to photography and her insistence on creative control. “One of the greatest things she ever did was create the persona of ‘Marilyn Monroe’,” Sheehan noted. However, this self-construction also became a double-edged sword, complicating her career as she grappled with the limitations imposed by her own iconic status.
The Legacy of a Trailblazer
As we commemorate Monroe’s centenary, it is vital to reflect on her impact and the barriers she sought to dismantle. The cultural saturation of her image has often overshadowed her contributions as an actress and producer. “To many audiences, Monroe is an icon first and a performer second,” Sheehan pointed out, urging audiences to revisit her films and appreciate the real human being behind the glamour.
In an era where the commodification of celebrity has reached new heights, Monroe’s legacy serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by women in the industry. Sheehan draws parallels to contemporary stars like Taylor Swift and Madonna, who have successfully navigated their own reinventions. “If Marilyn was around today, she could have been a Margot Robbie—a figure with immense capital in her image, but also a terrific performer and a smart, active producer,” she reflects.
Why it Matters
Marilyn Monroe remains a complex figure whose life and career continue to resonate, not only as a symbol of glamour and tragedy but also as a testament to the struggles of women in the entertainment industry. The centenary celebrations offer a vital opportunity to reassess her legacy, challenge misconceptions, and recognise her as a pioneering force who paved the way for future generations. By engaging with her work through these exhibitions, we are not just honouring an icon; we are reclaiming her narrative as a vibrant and transformative artist whose influence is still palpable today.