Much has been made about the facts vs. the fantasies in this musing on the life and career of Marilyn Monroe (from the novel by Joyce Carol Oates). Like last year’s Spencer, which was a fantasy on Princess Diana (my review), writer/director Andrew Dominik creates elaborate scenarios around Monroe’s multiple tragedies (some verified and others not). Several of her iconic moments are skillfully staged, while others are ignored. Usually, every scene plays too long and intense, losing potential for emotional power. Ana de Arnas captures the star’s vulnerability and pain with depth, while beautifully embodying Monroe’s style. Dominik’s direction takes advantage of her skill, spending almost every moment of every scene focused on her. This is a relentless tragedy with minimal bright spots that boils down to an artistic exercise more than an absorbing biopic. 
(2 / 5)
