Beyond the Blonde Bombshell: Reframing Marilyn Monroe's Legacy
Marilyn Monroe, the Hollywood icon and bombshell, has long been a fascinating subject. But there's more to her story than the bubbly blonde persona she portrayed on screen. While often dismissed as a stereotypical beauty, Monroe possessed a sharp intellect and fierce determination that challenged the limitations placed on her.
About Marilyn Monroe
Born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles, California
Had a troubled childhood in foster homes and orphanages
Briefly married at 16 to James Dougherty to avoid returning to an orphanage
Bleached her curly, reddish-brown hair, becoming a platinum blonde and began her career as a pin-up model during World War II
Adopted the stage name Marilyn Monroe in the early 1950s
Landed breakout roles in comedies like "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953) and "How to Marry a Millionaire" (1953)
Studied acting at the Actors Studio with Lee Strasberg
Acted alongside renowned actors like Marlon Brando and Laurence Olivier
Co-founded her own production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions, in 1954
Married baseball legend Joe DiMaggio in 1954 (short-lived)
Later married playwright Arthur Miller in 1956
Struggled with mental health issues and substance abuse throughout her life
Died tragically at the age of 36 in 1962
On the day she died, her shelves were lined with books from "Out of My Later Years" by Albert Einstein, "Madame Bovary" by Gustave Flaubert, "The Sound and the Fury" by Albert Einstein and Poetry collections by Frost, Milton and Poe
Remains a pop culture icon for her beauty, charisma, and influence on film and fashion
Remembered for her comedic roles and desire for serious acting opportunities
Beyond the Stereotype
Despite early roles capitalising on her undeniable beauty, rumours about Monroe's intelligence were demonstrably false. Diagnosed with dyslexia and bipolar disorder, she was nonetheless whispered to have a staggering IQ of 168. However, there's no evidence of a formal test, according to Scott Forner of MarilynMonroeCollection.com. Perhaps her tumultuous childhood and marriage at 16 left little room for such assessments.
Monroe's lack of formal education couldn't dampen her love for learning. Lois Banner's biography, "The Passion and The Paradox," reveals her library of over 400 books encompassing many subjects, from art and drama to politics, psychology, and even philosophy. This intellectual curiosity suggests a depth far beyond the image she portrayed on screen.
Fighting for Recognition
The new documentary under the “Unravelling Brilliance” pillar, "Reframed: Marilyn Monroe" explores her struggles in a male-dominated industry. Despite rejections and exploitation, Monroe strategically navigated the Hollywood system, eventually forming her own production company to gain control over her career choices and aiming to secure better pay and project selection. Her fight garnered significant media attention and paved the way for other actresses to demand fairer treatment.
A Legacy of Strength
Monroe's story transcends the image of a helpless starlet. "Reframed: Marilyn Monroe" portrays her as a savvy businesswoman and a cultural figure ahead of her time, confronting issues of gender inequality and power dynamics in the 1950s. Her story inspires anyone who has ever dared to break free from societal expectations and forge their own path.
Further Exploration
Want to learn more about the honest Marilyn Monroe? Don't miss the new show "Reframed: Marilyn Monroe" premiering first and exclusively on May 8th at 9:55 PM (GMT+8) on Global Trekker. Golden Globe-winning actress Jessica Chastain narrates this captivating 4-part documentary series, the first and exclusive look at Monroe's life ever aired on TV. Tune in every Wednesday at 9:55 PM (GMT+8) to explore the complexities of the woman behind the legend.
Fun Challenge: Cross-reference your reading history with Monroe’s books:
Monroe's personal library reportedly contained works by Dostoevsky, Walt Whitman, and Arthur Miller, hinting at her intellectual curiosity and interest in philosophy, literature, and playwriting.
Check off the titles you’ve read and see how you stack up to the iconic actress here.
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