In the spotlight of Hollywood’s golden age, Marilyn Monroe shone bright – a beacon of sophistication, sensuality, and vulnerability. Six decades later, Ana de Armas has boldly stepped into the icon’s stilettos, ready to rekindle the essence of the blonde bombshell in Netflix’s most provocative gamble yet. With the release of “Blonde,” a cinematic ode to Monroe’s tumultuous life, de Armas has committed to a transformation so thorough, it’s as if she’s slipped into the very skin of her predecessor. But how did this Cuban-Spanish actress manage to so convincingly channel the spirit of a legend, and what secrets lie behind her NC-17-rated portrayal?
Ana de Armas: The Path to Becoming Marilyn Monroe
From Cuba to Hollywood: Ana de Armas’ Early Struggles
Ana de Armas, born and raised in Cuba, has had a remarkable journey from obscurity to global recognition. Her rise to fame took a significant leap with the release of “Knives Out” in 2019, which catapulted her into the limelight. However, the road to stardom was fraught with challenges, particularly when she auditioned for the lead role in Andrew Dominik’s “Blonde.” De Armas, an actress with limited experience in English-language films, faced the daunting task of not only mastering the American accent but also convincingly embodying one of the most iconic figures in American cinema.
Breaking into the industry was only the beginning. De Armas had to overcome the challenge of the American accent, which was crucial for her authenticity in the role. To prepare, she worked with an accent coach and spent hours practicing the nuances of Monroe’s voice. This dedication to the role was not only about the accent but also about understanding the cultural and emotional context of Monroe’s life.
The Netflix Screen Test
The screen test with Netflix was a pivotal moment in de Armas’ career. The stakes were high, as the outcome would determine if she would get the chance to play Marilyn Monroe. The tension was palpable during the test. De Armas had to perform a scene where Monroe pleads with her husband, Joe DiMaggio, to let her move to New York to start anew. Her coach was under the table, feeding her the correct pronunciations, adding to the stress of the situation. Despite the overwhelming pressure, de Armas managed to deliver a performance that convinced Netflix to greenlight the project.
Preparation for Perfection: De Armas’ Transformation
Intensive Training and Coaching
Preparing for the role of Marilyn Monroe required an immense amount of dedication and training. De Armas spent countless hours working with a coach to perfect Monroe’s accent and mannerisms. Beyond the accent, learning the choreography and musical numbers from Monroe’s iconic performances was equally challenging. De Armas spent her off-set time rehearsing steps and singing in the style of Monroe, immersing herself deeply into the character.
Her commitment to the role was evident. She often worked on accent and voice classes during the filming of “Knives Out,” a testament to her dual responsibilities and the level of preparation required for such a demanding role. De Armas’ method acting approach involved not just memorizing lines but also internalizing Monroe’s emotional state and experiences, which demanded a high level of psychological and emotional engagement.
Learning the Monroe Accent and Mannerisms
To fully embody Monroe, de Armas had to master the nuances of her speech and mannerisms. She worked on every aspect of Monroe’s personality, from her laughter to her manner of speaking, ensuring that she captured the essence of the star. The accent training was a critical part of this process, as the voice is a significant identifier of Monroe’s character. De Armas’ dedication to the role was evident in her constant practice, often working late into the night to perfect her performance.
Recreating Iconic Scenes and Musical Numbers
Recreating some of Monroe’s most famous scenes and musical numbers was a significant part of de Armas’ preparation. She had to perform Monroe’s signature routines with precision, ensuring that every move and gesture matched the star’s original performances. De Armas spent hours perfecting the choreography for scenes such as the “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” performance, which required meticulous attention to detail to achieve authenticity.
Her approach to the role was meticulous, with de Armas often spending hours practicing to ensure she could perform Monroe’s routines with the same energy and charm. This level of preparation was essential to bring Monroe to life in a way that honored the star’s legacy while also adding a new perspective to her story.
The Making of ‘Blonde’
A Risky Gamble: Netflix’s NC-17 Decision
Netflix’s decision to release “Blonde” with an NC-17 rating was a bold move. The film is a raw and unflinching portrayal of Monroe’s life, addressing themes of sexual violence, mental health, and the dark side of fame. The film’s content was so intense that it took over a year to finalize the edit, with multiple rounds of revisions. The film’s NC-17 rating marks a significant departure from Netflix’s usual fare, signaling a willingness to take risks in storytelling and content.
For Netflix, the film represents a substantial artistic risk, potentially alienating some viewers while attracting others who are drawn to its controversial content. The film’s reception could have a significant impact on Netflix’s future content strategy, potentially opening the door for more daring and experimental projects. For de Armas, the risk was personal, as she had to push her own boundaries and emotional limits to portray Monroe’s story authentically.
Under Dominik’s Direction: Capturing Monroe’s Essence
Director Andrew Dominik’s vision for “Blonde” was clear from the start: to delve into the darker aspects of Monroe’s life while maintaining a level of authenticity and respect for the icon. Dominik’s passion for the project was evident, and his dedication to telling Monroe’s story from her perspective influenced de Armas’ portrayal. Throughout the filming, de Armas trusted Dominik’s vision and worked closely with him to ensure every performance resonated with the character’s emotional truth.
The director’s insistence on authenticity led to some of the film’s most challenging scenes. For instance, scenes depicting Monroe’s struggles with fame and the pressures of her relationships were particularly challenging. De Armas recalls the day on set when her hairstylist, initially baffled by her inability to perfect Monroe’s hairstyle, realized they had become so similar in appearance that she could no longer distinguish between the two. This level of immersion into the role underscores de Armas’ commitment to her character.
The Aftermath: De Armas’ New Reality
From ‘Knives Out’ to ‘Blonde’: Rising Stardom
The release of “Knives Out” in 2019 marked a significant turning point in de Armas’ career. The film’s success propelled her into the spotlight, solidifying her position as a rising star in Hollywood. This newfound fame, however, came with the added scrutiny of the press and paparazzi. De Armas has expressed her discomfort with the attention, stating that she is more interested in her work than the public’s perception of her outside of it. The pressure was compounded by her relationship with Ben Affleck, which brought her even more attention from the media.
Despite the challenges, the role of Marilyn Monroe in “Blonde” has elevated de Armas to a new level of stardom. The film’s reception at the Venice International Film Festival, where it received a 14-minute standing ovation, is a testament to de Armas’ performance and the film’s impact. The role required de Armas to not only physically resemble Monroe but also to channel her emotions and experiences, leading to a performance that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
Marilyn’s Legacy: De Armas’ Connection to the Icon
De Armas’ portrayal of Marilyn Monroe has not only garnered critical acclaim but has also deepened her personal connection to the icon. De Armas has visited Monroe’s grave multiple times, reflecting on the parallels between their lives and the impact Monroe’s legacy has had on her. The film’s portrayal of Monroe’s struggles with fame and the objectification she faced resonated with de Armas, who has also experienced the objectification of the media. She notes that Monroe’s determination to be respected for her talent resonates with her own desire to be remembered for her work rather than her personal life.
During the filming of “Blonde,” de Armas had to confront scenes of sexual violence and degradation, which were particularly challenging. Her performance in these scenes required her to push beyond her comfort zone, and she acknowledges that the intensity of these scenes was something she would not have taken on for any other role. The emotional toll of the role was significant, and the film’s raw portrayal of Monroe’s life has left a lasting impact on de Armas, making it a defining moment in her career.
Beyond ‘Blonde’: De Armas’ Reflections and Future
The Price of Fame: De Armas’ Perspective
Ana de Armas, the talented actress who brought Marilyn Monroe to life in the NC-17 Netflix film “Blonde,” has had her fair share of experiences with fame. In an interview with Variety, de Armas opened up about dealing with unwanted attention, the future of viral content from “Blonde,” and her desire for privacy.
- Dealing with Unwanted Attention: De Armas admits that she has had to learn how to handle unwanted attention, especially since her relationship with Ben Affleck and the release of “Blonde.” She explains, “It’s something that you learn, unfortunately… When the attention is not about my work, it is upsetting, and it feels disrespectful, and it feels inappropriate, and it feels dangerous and unsafe.”
- The Future of Viral Content from ‘Blonde’: De Armas is aware that there might be clips of her nude body from the film circulating online, and she finds the idea “disgusting” and “upsetting.” She notes, “I can’t control it; you can’t really control what they do and how they take things out of context.”
- De Armas’ Desire for Privacy: Despite her fame, de Armas remains focused on her work and hopes to be remembered for it. She says, “I’m just interested in my work. I want to be remembered for that. The other side, I’m not interested… Some people have a better time making peace with that. Some people even like it. I’m in the group of people who would prefer not to have that.”
- The Importance of Trusting the Director: De Armas emphasizes the importance of trusting the director, as they ultimately shape the film and the experience. She says, “I learned that I cannot compromise on a director. Because at the end of the day, that is what the movie is going to be, and that’s what the experience is going to be, and that’s the person that you have to trust the most.”
- De Armas’ Commitment to Her Craft: De Armas’ dedication to her craft is evident in her performance in “Blonde.” She spent her off-hours learning choreography for re-created musical numbers and movie scenes, and she underwent Marilyn Monroe training while filming “Knives Out.” Her commitment extends beyond the physical and vocal transformations, as she explains, “Someone’s voice has many qualities. It’s not just an accent or the pitch or the breathiness. You can imitate someone very well and have no soul. As much as I wanted to get it as close as possible to her, I also wanted to have the soul and the emotion behind it.”
- The Soul Behind the Voice and Performance: De Armas believes that capturing the essence of a character goes beyond mastering their voice and appearance. She explains, “Using my emotions — how I felt about playing the role — was the way I approached the entire film, embracing my fears and my vulnerability, my feeling uncomfortable and my insecurities.”
Lessons Learned: De Armas’ Insights for Aspiring Actors
De Armas also shared some valuable lessons she has learned throughout her career, which she believes can benefit aspiring actors. These lessons include:
Conclusion
In this article, we explored Ana de Armas’ remarkable transformation into Marilyn Monroe for Netflix’s “Blonde,” a daring NC-17 film that pushes the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. The article highlighted how de Armas’ dedication to embodying Monroe’s body and soul resulted in a performance that is both captivating and unflinching. We examined how the film’s bold approach to sex, nudity, and intimacy redefines the conventions of biographical dramas and challenges audiences to confront the complexities of Monroe’s life.
The significance of “Blonde” lies in its willingness to take risks and challenge societal norms, sparking important conversations about gender, sexuality, and the objectification of women. As the film’s release marks a new era in cinematic storytelling, it sets a precedent for more unflinching and honest portrayals of complex characters. As we move forward, it will be exciting to see how this film inspires a new wave of creators to push the boundaries of storytelling and representation.
Ultimately, “Blonde” is a testament to the transformative power of art, reminding us that the pursuit of truth and authenticity is a necessary step towards a more empathetic and understanding world. As Ana de Armas’ performance continues to leave an indelible mark on audiences, we are reminded that the most powerful stories are those that dare to be told, and that the boundaries of what is acceptable are constantly being redefined.