Andrew Dominik’s “Blonde” is essentially split into various passages of Marilyn Monroe’s tragic life. It’s a messy, sprawlingly ambitious 165 minute movie that, at times, feels like Lynch and Malick’s love child.
Just to be clear, “Blonde” should be seen as a work of fiction. It’s based on a 700 page novel from Joyce Carol Oates and much of what takes place in that novel never occurred. If one goes into this movie with the belief that they will witness a truthful depiction of Monroe, then they will be very disappointed.
A lot of pill-popping and alcohol drinking occurs in “Blonde.” Monroe is portrayed as an isolated individual who became more and more broken with each failed relationship. Dominik basically implies it was the abuse, not to mention the three failed pregnancies, that destroyed Monroe.
First there’s Monroe’s tumultuous and unloving mother (Julianne Nicholson), then a rape at the hands of a studio exec named Mr. Z. Monroe ensuingly dated and broke up with Joe DiMaggio (Bobby Cannavale) and Arthur Miller (Adrian Brody). JFK is also portrayed as a monster, who saw Monroe as nothing more than his “little whore.”
There’s a dreamy state to “Blonde.” Dominik loves to use his out-of-focus shots to further enhance the almost surreal nature of the film. Dominik plays with different aspect ratios, adds black and white imagery, technicolor photography, archival footage, random narration, and blurs the lines between reality and fiction.
Numerous cinematic trickeries abound as well, including a shot in the point of view of Monroe’s vagina. Not to mention a talking foetus. Amidst all the chaos is a Ana de Armas performance that does feel lived-in and authentic. Her Cuban accent slips up a few times during the course of the picture, but it’s nothing to get riled up about either. This is by far the best work of her career.
Which is to say, not everything works. There are full stretches in “Blonde” that overstay their welcome, the film could have used a trimming, especially in the last half hour.
“Blonde” is agit pop-art. Dominik doesn’t quite care enough about his audience to succumb to their desires and needs in watching this movie. In that regard, “Blonde” will be hated by its Netflix audience, but will also gain a devoted following with cultists.
For 165 minutes, there’s isn’t necessarily plot being delivered here as much as constant ruminating and vibes. Lots and lots of vibes. A collage of small vignettes that flash through you like tiny dream states. It may be imperfect, but no true movie fan would dare miss Dominik’s dark, beautiful, and twisted fantasy. [B/B+]