The “Blonding” of Ana

Ana de Armas in full Marilyn.

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 at the helm of this, but I am trying to reserve my judgement. Although, I would be ELATED if I saw a female director like Mary Harron, Sofia Coppola or Andrea Arnold attached to this project.   

Regardless and for the sake of this anticipated project, I hope Andrew Dominick hits it out of the park. 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 her 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.