Marilyn Monroe Honored as a Subversive Creative Force in Dual UK Exhibitions
Two landmark exhibitions in the United Kingdom are set to redefine Marilyn Monroe's legacy, moving beyond her stereotypical image as a timeless sex symbol or tragic figure. To commemorate the centenary of her birth, these showcases aim to highlight Monroe as a performer of sharp comic intelligence, a strategic architect of her own public persona, and a transformative influence on female stardom in cinema.
The Summer of Marilyn: A Dual Celebration
Dubbed "the summer of Marilyn," this cultural initiative features a comprehensive two-month season at the British Film Institute (BFI) and a significant exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. The BFI's program, titled "Marilyn Monroe: Self Made Star," runs from June 1 to the end of July, revisiting her filmography through three thematic strands: Star Attractions for musicals and comedies, Dramatic Turns for serious roles, and Scene Stealers for smaller but pivotal appearances.
Kimberley Sheehan, the BFI's lead programmer, emphasizes Monroe's unparalleled impact, stating, "Monroe was quite possibly the biggest star cinema ever saw and will ever see. She was the original triple threat and deserves much credit for crafting her own image and stardom." Sheehan hopes audiences will rediscover Monroe's dynamic presence in films like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and How to Marry a Millionaire, as well as the emotional depth of The Misfits.
Reassessing Monroe's Career and Legacy
From her first major role in Ladies of the Chorus in 1948 to her final unfinished project Something's Got To Give in 1962, Monroe collaborated with Hollywood's top directors and actors, navigating between effervescent comedy and complex drama. The BFI season encourages a reassessment of Monroe as a pioneering creative force who challenged the studio system, protested against subpar scripts, and established her own production company—a rare feat for women at the time.
A centerpiece of the celebration is the re-release of The Misfits (1961), Monroe's last completed film, in cinemas across the UK and Ireland. Directed by John Huston and written by her then-husband Arthur Miller, the film features Monroe opposite Clark Gable in a story of drifting cowboys and fractured relationships. Sheehan notes that Monroe's cultural saturation often overshadows her artistic work, urging viewers to look beyond the icon to the performer.
Exploring Monroe's Image and Influence
Concurrently, the National Portrait Gallery hosts "Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait" from June to September, featuring works by renowned artists and photographers such as Andy Warhol, Pauline Boty, and Richard Avedon. This exhibition delves into Monroe's active role in shaping her image and her enduring impact on visual culture. It includes previously unseen intimate photographs from Life magazine, taken by Allan Grant at her Brentwood home the day before her death in August 1962.
The exhibition underscores Monroe's collaborative and controlling approach to image-making, where she not only performed for the camera but also directed shoots and rejected images she disliked. Born on June 1, 1926, Monroe remains one of the most photographed individuals in history, from her early pin-up days as Norma Jeane to her final snapshots in 1962.
Monroe's Legacy in Modern Context
Sheehan draws parallels between Monroe and contemporary stars like Taylor Swift and Madonna, noting Monroe's early attempts at reinvention through her production company, which were often misunderstood and ridiculed in the 1950s. She reflects, "We've come a long way, but there's still further to go. If Monroe were alive today, she could have been a Margot Robbie—someone with immense capital in her image, yet also a brilliant performer and savvy producer."
These exhibitions invite a deeper appreciation of Marilyn Monroe not just as an icon, but as a groundbreaking artist whose influence continues to resonate in film and popular culture.
