Ana de Armas became the talk of the town soon after the trailer of Blonde dropped on the Internet. The actress plays the legendary icon, Marilyn Monroe, in the movie that has already been mired in controversies. The film’s director, Andrew Dominik, feels that “there’s something in it to offend everyone,” and we list down 5 reasons why it could be a possibility.
Commenting on the same, Dominik said, “It’s an interesting time for Blonde to come out,” He further added, “If it had come out a few years ago, it would have come out right when ‘Me-Too’ hit and it would have been an expression of all that stuff. We’re in a time now, I think, where people are uncertain about where any lines are. It’s a film that definitely has a morality about it. But it swims in very ambiguous waters because I don’t think it will be as cut-and-dried as people want to see it. There’s something in it to offend everyone.”
Addressing the fact that the film may offend people, Dominik added that he did not give much thought to it. “I don’t know. It’s dangerous to do other people’s thinking for them. Who knows? On the one hand, I think if I’m given the choice, I’d rather go and see the NC-17 version of the Marilyn Monroe story. Because we know that her life was on the edge, clearly, from the way it ended. Do you want to see the warts-and-all version or do you want to see that sanitized version?” he retorted.
Now let’s see what could possibly offend people:
Her Relationship With J.F. Kennedy
Blonde mixes fact with fiction and delves into Monroe’s private and professional life. Her rumored relationship with former US President John F Kennedy will also be addressed in the biopic. We expect her sultry “Happy Birthday” performance for JFK’s 45th birthday celebration to be included in the film.
Her Affair With Robert F Kennedy
Another key part of her life that will be shown in the biopic would be her affair with John F Kennedy’s brother, Bobby Kennedy. It is said that RFK visited Monroe in the hours before she died. The brothers are said to be the reason behind her death, and including these portions of her life may offend people who keep them in high regard.
Sensitive Themes
Many Monroe fans could be offended by the sensitive themes that Dominik has explored in the film. It was reported earlier that Netflix executives were “horrified” by the final cut of the film, and were “caught off-guard” by what the filmmaker had made.
Ana de Armas’ Casting
Armas, who is Cuban-Spanish, and her accent in the trailer also did not sit well with many people. Soon after the trailer was released, many called the production out for casting her in this titular role.
The Rape Scene
A scene where a 21-year-old Norma Jeane meets with a producer named Mr. Z might also be a part of the film. This was her first casting experience, where Mr. Z allegedly took her to his private apartment behind his office and brutally raped her. The story is a rather dark one and people might feel offended to find this included in the movie.
The film is an adaptation of a 2000 biographical fiction novel, written by Oates. Blonde will be the first NC-17-rated original Netflix production. Also starring Adrien Brody, Bobby Cannavale, Xavier Samuel, and Julianne Nicholson, Blonde premieres on Netflix on September 28.
(Featured Image Credits: YouTube @netflix)
