The “Blonding” of Ana

Ana de Armas doing that Marilyn “thang.”  Photo courtesy of The Daily Mail

Ana de Armas doing that Marilyn “thang.” Photo courtesy of The Daily Mail

No, this not a soft porn reference, although the moment I typed that title I could see how stupid it sounded. Whatever. Just trying to tie in a visual for your reference of current “it girl’ Ana de Armas in some leaked production photos as Marilyn Monroe in the yet to be released Blonde, directed by Andrew Dominik (best known for Killing Them Softly and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford both featuring Brad Pitt.)

To say that taking on this epic Joyce Carol Oates novel, a retelling of the Marilyn/Norma Jean narrative told through the point of view of the titular icon, is a big swing for this director would be an understatement. And yes, I would prefer to see a female director like Mary Harron, Sofia Coppola or Andrea Arnold attached to this particularly female project, I am trying to reserve my judgement.

Regardless and for the sake of this anticipated project, I hope Andrew Dominick knows what he is doing. Undeniably, Ana de Armas is strikingly beautiful, almost in an other-worldy manner in the guise of Monroe. The key will be if she is able to evoke the conflicted inner turmoil of the pained actress while simultaneously projecting that movie star image to the public. And now that Ana de Armas is dating Ben Affleck (sigh), we can only hope the glare of a high profile romance doesn’t outshine or dampen her talent.

Click HERE for Episode 1 of the Podcast, published 3/3/2020

Previous
Previous

Persephone and the Scream Queer aka Roger Conners Discuss The Hunt, Roddy Alves and When Bad Movies Happen to Good Actresses or Where is She These Days?

Next
Next

Elisabeth Moss: A Millenial Riot Grrrl