The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe

This was an excellent mini series that did a good job stringing together an assortment of Marilyn's life, albeit not all of it. But my, that would be impossible. I think they did a great job at creating a narrative with what they could, and that Kelli Garner was absolutely wonderful. She captured the nuances of Marilyn in a way no other actress has quite been able to.

This is a rather shoddy production that at times seems outright exploitation. Kelli Garner is not much of an actress, looks nothing like Monroe, and does a terrible imitation of her iconic voice. Susan Sarandon is surprisingly bad in the role of her mentally ill mother and it's some of the worst work she has ever done. The other actors do what is required of them and while this is all interesting at times, overall it isn't very enlightening. The standout in all of this is Emily Watson as Marilyn's aunt. As is often the case, Watson rises above a travesty and walks out of the ruins with her head held high. Wells she might for she not only gives a superb performance but brings a touch of real class to the proceedings. She gives her part a depth and humanity that's absent in the other characters that populate this film. For her moving and beautiful portrayal alone this lackluster mess is awarded 6 additional stars to the 2 it deserves on its own merits.

It was such a nice change to see a movie of Marilyn Monroe depicting her personal life and struggles.I have read many many books on Marilyn and I thought this was spot on. Congratulations to Lifetime Movies. Also congratulations to Kelli Garner and Susan Sarandon. It was difficult for Susan as in real life Marilyn did not spend a lot of time with her mother. Apparently Marilyn always lived with a fear of inheriting her mother's mental illness. It was also nice to still enjoy a movie on Marilyn Monroe after such a long time after her death.I believe Kelli captured Marilyn's voice extremely well. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it to others for viewing. Thanks!!!

its virtues - the good intentions to present a realistic portrait of her life. reminds of memorable scenes. the admirable work of Susan Sarandon. the atmosphere. Emma Watson. the desire of Kelli Garner to be Marlyn Monroe and the run to give the impression to be the perfect choice for act she ( voice, walk, physical appearance, gestures). its sins - the title who seems escaped from a scandal newspaper because the revelation are not news and it is bizarre to pretend present a complex biography in each of its details. the ambition to tell all in a mini series and the taste of improvised puzzle. the hard work of Kelli Garner to convince the public than she is the best Marlyn. the ambition is real admirable and the result far to be bad but , scene by scene, it becomes strange. a beautiful series. that is its basic good point. for remind. for rediscover. and for give new shadows to a myth.

Finally, an actress who captures Marilyn Monroe in all her mannerisms, voice, looks, personality (Kelli Garner). Previous Monroe portrayals are easily forgotten in light of this lovely reproduction of the tragic star's vulnerability, charm, sexiness & spunk. Why did it take so long? Susan Sarandon as mother Gladys is also excellent & typical of Sarandon's professionalism in playing a supporting role with grace and class. The other players are well cast where it matters most: looks, demeanor, voice, such as Pat Kennedy Lawford with a Boston accent. Joe DiMaggio is lean and angular; Arthur Miller smokes a pipe. Not to simplify the elements of writing and direction, but as I said, previous Monroe biopics have failed at the most elemental level: when Marilyn is in front of the camera, she'd better be a decent reincarnation. This movie nailed it.