Unveiling the True Marilyn Monroe: A Study of Persona and Struggle
Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most captivating icons in Hollywood history, frequently reduced to the stereotype of a “dumb blonde.” However, her life and career were marked by complexity, talent, and a desperate search for authenticity beneath the surface glamour. Monroe’s final film, The Misfits (1961), represented her desire to break free from the stereotypical roles that had defined her career. Sadly, it coincided with a tumultuous period in her life, which included her crumbling marriage to playwright Arthur Miller and her ongoing battles with mental health issues. This article explores the intricate layers of Monroe’s life, particularly during the making of The Misfits, shedding light on her personal challenges and aspirations.
The Turbulent Backdrop of The Misfits
Monroe’s relationship with Arthur Miller initially sparked hope as a union between a Hollywood star and a literary genius. However, as production on The Misfits progressed, the cracks in their marriage became increasingly apparent. Miller, who penned the script with Monroe in mind, found that their personal struggles seeped into their professional lives. The couple’s intimacy deteriorated, leading to a bitter divorce just before the film’s release. Michael Arnold, the grandson of Monroe’s close friend and photographer Eve Arnold, noted the emotional toll this period took on Monroe. “Marilyn was really struggling, partly due to her marriage to Arthur Miller collapsing and partly because she was grappling with her own identity,” he explained. “She had this fantasy of who she wanted to be, but the reality of her life was in stark contrast.”
The Desire for Seriousness: Monroe’s Inner Conflict
Monroe’s yearning to transcend the “blonde bombshell” stigma was palpable. She actively sought out roles that would showcase her versatility beyond that narrow archetype. In The Misfits, she had an opportunity to collaborate with director John Huston, known for eliciting profound performances from his actors. Unfortunately, the filmmaking process was riddled with challenges. Monroe’s mental health struggles, compounded by her addiction to prescription medications, hampered her ability to perform consistently. Reports from the set reveal that she frequently arrived late, missed shooting days, and struggled to memorize her lines, contributing to her deepening frustration. “Her mood could shift dramatically during filming, much like clouds passing in front of the sun,” Michael Arnold recalled. This contrast between her insecurity and the ease with which her co-stars, such as Clark Gable and Montgomery Clift, delivered their lines only heightened her self-doubt.
A Bold Attempt to Reclaim Her Narrative
Despite the overwhelming pressure, Monroe endeavored to assert herself as an artist. During a pivotal love scene with Gable, she took a daring step by exposing herself—an act not scripted but born from her desire to add depth to the performance. Huston recognized her intent and permitted her to take creative liberties, although ultimately, the footage was edited out of the final cut. Monroe’s actions were emblematic of her internal struggle; she often expressed a disdain for censorship, stating, “I love to do things the censors wouldn’t pass. After all, what are we all here for, just to stand around and let it pass us by?” Yet, despite her desire to break free from her established image, The Misfits was ultimately a box office failure. Michael Arnold attributes this to the audience’s entrenched perception of Monroe as a sex symbol, saying, “Even though she tried to break free, she was still boxed into that role.”
The Eye of Eve Arnold: Capturing the Real Monroe
Among those who truly understood Monroe was Eve Arnold, a renowned photographer and close confidante. Arnold’s long-standing friendship with Monroe allowed her to capture a side of the actress that contrasted sharply with the public’s perception. According to Michael Arnold, his grandmother possessed a unique talent for forming deep connections with her subjects, which facilitated an authentic portrayal of Monroe. Their friendship blossomed in the early 1950s, with Monroe often turning to Arnold during tumultuous times. On the set of The Misfits, Monroe felt a sense of trust in Arnold, allowing her to be vulnerable. “When Eve arrived on set, Marilyn was in a very fragile state, but she felt she could be herself with Eve,” Michael Arnold shared. The images taken by Arnold reveal a more nuanced Monroe—showing her joy, introspection, and struggles, contrasting sharply with the glossy, manufactured image perpetuated by Hollywood.
Monroe’s Legacy: A Complex Woman Beyond the Glamour
Marilyn Monroe’s life was tragically cut short in August 1962, just a year after The Misfits was released. Her untimely death at age 36 sent shockwaves across the globe, leaving behind a legacy that remains multifaceted. In the months leading up to her passing, Monroe expressed a fervent desire to reinvent herself, aiming to be recognized for her acting prowess rather than her physical allure. The candid photographs captured by Eve Arnold provide a poignant glimpse into the real Marilyn Monroe—a woman grappling with her identity and aspirations amidst overwhelming pressures.
Monroe’s struggle to reconcile her public image with her ambitions and vulnerabilities resonates with many individuals today. Her journey highlights the challenges of living up to societal expectations while striving for personal fulfillment. Following her death, Monroe’s image became a commercial specter, often divorced from her true essence. The book Marilyn Monroe by Eve Arnold serves as an evocative tribute, challenging the narrative that has long defined her. Monroe’s story encapsulates a profound contradiction—a celebrated star overshadowed by an industry that imposed rigid identities upon her. Through her friendship with Eve Arnold, her creative aspirations in The Misfits, and her vulnerability, Monroe emerges as a symbol of complexity, resilience, and humanity.
