Director Andrew Dominik has some unflattering things to say about the filmography of Marilyn Monroe, despite making a movie about the actress’ life, Blonde.
In a new interview with Sight & Sound, Andrew Dominik gave his perspective on one of the late Monroe’s most famous films, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, tying it in with the actress. “She had to be a little baby. So, when she sings ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend’ – it’s like, is that sisterly advice, ‘If you’re gonna fuck, make sure you get paid’? Or is it just romanticised whoredom?”
Dropping the term “whore” as it relates to one of the most famous actresses to ever live seems like a risky move, especially considering he is trying to promote Blonde. And then Andrew Dominik doubled down, as shown in outtakes revealed by the interviewer, Christina Newland:
Andrew Dominik also wondered, “Does anyone watch Marilyn Monroe movies?” Dominik may have a bit of a point on this one. Anybody can pick out an image of Monroe, but can they claim to have seen even her most famous movies like Some Like It Hot or Gentlemen Prefer Blondes? Do they know that the famous scene where her skirt blows up over a subway grate is from The Seven Year Itch? One could have similar questions related to James Dean–except nobody would call him a “whore.”
Andrew Dominik’s harsh approach may be an attempt to tie in with his approach to Blonde itself. “Blonde is supposed to leave you shaking…It’s a howl of pain or rage.” Whether or not that’s the intention, his terminology is sure to generate a little extra controversy for the NC-17 film, which hit Netflix earlier this week.
What do you think about Andrew Dominik’s statement about some Marilyn Monroe movies romanticizing “whore” characters? Do you agree or disagree? Let us know in the comments below.