The public was in love with her image on the big screen, and so were a President, a major league baseball player, a prolific playwright (in real-time), and the camera. Marilyn Monroe is a pop culture icon who is not out of the headlines, although she died at 36 by her hand on August 4, 1962.

What is it about this woman that has inspired the release of another film putting her under the microscope? The answer is quite simple. Norma Jean's story is one of an underdog who faces the challenges of a life that starts with a gazillion obstacles-- and overcomes them; to a point. Everyone enjoys a story about a winner (i.e. Rocky, Erin Brokovich), especially a gorgeous one. Society was superficial then and still is. The advertising and entertainment industries put a strong focus on beauty and youth, the attributes they push to make you more acceptable to others--especially those financing films. Even with some advances in women's rights, females are still judged on appearance more than ever. Eyebrow & lash enhancing, cosmetic surgery, and anti-aging techniques are booming businesses. 

Netflix's new release Blonde is based on the Pulitzer Prize finalist novel of the same title, by Joyce Carol Oates. The book was developed from excerpts of biographical fiction works the author weaved together. Director Anthony Dominik edited a 166-minute film together that displays the frailties of the iconic sex symbol from childhood through adulthood. Ana de Armas gives a tour de force performance as Monroe.

Norma Jeane Mortensen had a rough start. She became a ward of the state when her mother, Gladys was deemed unfit and institutionalized for mental illness. The orphaned child held onto the fantasy her absent father was involved in Hollywood (likely to soften his rejection) and went on a relentless journey to succeed as a model and actor. Norma Jean transformed herself into a platinum blonde sex symbol with a trusty bottle of bleach. She underwent an alleged cosmetic procedure on her chin to soften her already beautiful features. I can't criticize Monroe for trying to duplicate what society identifies as perfect beauty. But she was encouraged to push her sexuality. It is a shame the industry did not motivate her to develop her talent for comedy. Monroe had worked hard to hone her craft.

Although Monroe was sought after as a film actress (The Seven Year Itch, Some Like it Hot, and her final film, Something's Got to Give), I don't believe she ever fully recovered from the trauma of her father leaving and her mother being ill and absent, too. Monroe's conflicts, in my opinion, made her spiral downward onto a path of addiction and self-abuse. Not even being romanced by JFK, loved by husbands Henry Miller or Joe DiMaggio, and adored by the public or money helped. You can never run away from a fractured self, whoever you are, without the proper professional intervention.