After many months of trailers, teasers, and gossip, the long awaited Netflix original movie Blonde was released on Sept. 16.  The movie follows the rise and fall of the ionic Hollywood princess, Marilyn Monroe.  Many people who looked forward to the film expected Blonde to unpack hidden aspects of Monroe’s life, as well as break streaming records.  After its release, there was no surprise that Blonde became the top streamed movie on Netflix during the week of Oct. 1.  However, as crowds began to stream this story of Marilyn Monroe, controversy started to brew among viewers in the media.

       “I was looking forward to watching Blonde for a really long time, but when the movie came out and I heard all of the crazy stories about it, I didn’t know what to believe.  The reviews were so mixed, so I decided to watch it and see for myself.  It was definitely very shocking, and much different than how I expected it to be, but the cinematography was so unique, and the acting was amazing,” said senior Izzy Abramson.

         After watching Blonde, many viewers found themselves flabbergasted by the material and plot of the film.  Marilyn Monroe, as depicted in the film, was a woman who underwent many traumas and horrific obstacles which she had to battle her entire life.  Ultimately, these experiences led to her downfall.  Historians who have studied the life of  Marilyn Monroe began to speak out against the film.  Thousands criticized the script, since it displayed graphic scenes of abuse, which did not take place in real life.  Others claimed that the film portrayed Monroe in a weak and negative light, arguing that the film’s representation of her is not how she would have wanted to be remembered.

“The movie was very disturbing, I never knew exactly how much pain and trauma Marilyn Monroe went through, this film showed me a completely different side of her” said sophomore Aria Goldstein.

Despite the mixed reviews regarding Blonde, Ana de Armas most definitely prevailed in reviving the soul of Marilyn Monroe in the film.  In special interviews, Ana de Armas explained how difficult preparing for the role was.  She worked tirelessly on her voice, attempting to match the gentle and high-pitched tone of Marilyn Monroe.  Additionally, de Armas would spend hours upon hours on set just getting ready to shoot, since there was such an extravagant hair and makeup routine needed.  In the end, Armas was victorious in imitating the iconic French-style eyeliner and short blonde curls of Monroe. 

“Although there was a lot of controversy surrounding Blonde, I must say that Ana de  Armas is beyond incredible in this role.  She looks exactly like Marilyn in the movie, and the makeup and costumes are absolutely on point,” said senior Carly Fanous.

         While there are many ongoing debates over the morality and proper representation in the new film, Blonde, the movie showcases a wide range of talent and art through its acting, cinematography, and costume and makeup design.  While historians and movie critics argue over its depiction of Monroe, viewers are left with a highly intriguing and unique film to enjoy.