In a vibrant tribute to one of cinema’s most iconic figures, British cultural institutions are gearing up for a summer dedicated to Marilyn Monroe, coinciding with the centenary of her birth. With two significant exhibitions set to showcase her multifaceted career, Marilyn is being recognised not merely as a glamorous starlet but as a pioneering artist who reshaped the landscape of female stardom and creative autonomy.
A Summer of Reflection and Rediscovery
Kicking off the festivities, the British Film Institute (BFI) is set to host a comprehensive two-month programme that revisits Monroe’s illustrious filmography. The season will spotlight her remarkable range as a performer through themes such as “Star Attractions,” “Dramatic Turns,” and “Scene Stealers.” Kimberley Sheehan, the BFI’s lead programmer, emphasises Monroe’s significance, stating, “Marilyn Monroe was quite possibly the biggest star cinema ever saw and will ever see. She was the original triple threat and deserves much credit for crafting her own image and stardom.”
Scheduled to commence on 1 June and concluding at the end of July, the BFI’s celebration aims to encourage audiences to look beyond the surface of Monroe’s public persona. The programme will feature her most renowned performances, including standout roles in *Gentlemen Prefer Blondes* and *How to Marry a Millionaire*, as well as the poignant depths of her final film, *The Misfits*. Sheehan hopes viewers will arrive eager to explore the “dynamite presence” Monroe brought to each role, as well as her capacity for nuance in more serious performances.
Reassessing an Icon
Throughout her career, which spanned from her breakthrough in *Ladies of the Chorus* (1948) to the unfinished *Something’s Got to Give* (1962), Monroe collaborated with Hollywood’s most esteemed directors and actors. Her transition from bubbly comedies to complex dramatic performances illustrates her evolution as an artist. The BFI aims to dismantle the myth surrounding Monroe, presenting her as a formidable creative force who not only challenged the Hollywood system but also became the first woman since the silent film era to establish her own production company.
In a significant nod to her legacy, the BFI will also re-release *The Misfits*, Monroe’s last completed film, in cinemas across the UK and Ireland. Directed by John Huston and penned by her then-husband, Arthur Miller, the film tells a poignant story of disillusionment and longing set against the stark backdrop of the Nevada desert.
Sheehan notes that Monroe’s cultural saturation has often overshadowed her artistic contributions. “To many audiences, Monroe is an icon first and a performer second,” she explains. “They’ll know the image, the gossip, the tragedies, but they might not know the films.” This summer’s events aim to rectify that imbalance, encouraging a deeper appreciation of Monroe’s artistic legacy in a world where her likeness is frequently commodified.
A Portrait Beyond the Glamour
Concurrently, the National Portrait Gallery will host *Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait*, running from June through September. This exhibition will feature works by renowned artists such as Andy Warhol and Richard Avedon, as well as intimate photographs taken just before her untimely death in August 1962. This collection will delve into Monroe’s role in curating her own image and her lasting influence on visual culture.
The exhibition will highlight her collaborative efforts in image-making, showcasing her creative control over photo shoots and the images that defined her. Sheehan reflects on Monroe’s complex relationship with her persona: “One of the greatest things she ever did was create the persona of ‘Marilyn Monroe,’ but it was also one of her biggest challenges.” This struggle to break free from the constraints of her image resonates with contemporary artists, as Sheehan draws parallels with stars like Taylor Swift and Madonna, who have successfully navigated reinvention in their careers.
Why it Matters
As we approach this monumental summer of celebration, it is crucial to recognise Marilyn Monroe not just as a symbol of beauty and tragedy, but as a pioneering figure who challenged the norms of her time. The upcoming exhibitions and film retrospectives promise to shed light on her remarkable contributions to cinema and culture, reinvigorating discussions around female agency and artistic expression in the entertainment industry. As we reflect on her legacy, we are reminded that Monroe’s story continues to inspire new generations, urging us to question the narratives that have long defined her life.
