I rank it so highly because I’m in love with the craft. I have a general affinity for films where the director throws every technical trick he knows at the screen (see: Coppola’s Dracula) and Dominik seemingly knows a ton of tricks. It gave the film a unique feel that would’ve stood out even if were less about the subjective experience of an unravelling Monroe.
I also keep thinking back at how banal, manipulative, shallow and ultimately well received “Judy” was and how it seems to be the template that critics WANTED for this film. To “reclaim” Monroe’s legacy and give us an inspiring tale of strength despite mental illness and addiction. In other words, to lie to us.
It’s ironic that the film that claims to be based on a fictional novel rather than a straight up biopic (admitting it’s flagrant falsehoods), likely gets a great deal closer to the “truth” of its subject.
Right. And there are many who claim this film Disrespects her legacy, but honestly, what legacy was that? Was she not difficult to work with? Was she not insecure and constantly craving an ersatz father figure in the much older men she dated and married? She was a mess, and as such, her life is depicted as one. *
The fact she is also treated as a victim, mainly taken advantage of by all the men surrounding her (Mr “Z”, her make up artist, Chaplin jr and Robinson jr, and finally JFK (!) ) adds an extra layer of tragedy to the film, because let’s face it, her life was tragic, she was taken advantage of often, while those who should have cared for her were too busy feeling sorry for their own selves.
Yeah, a lot is made up, but it’s still pretty true to the myth and legend that is Monroe. It helps that I’m a fan of the director (Killing Them Softly is likely making my ballot for the upcoming countdown).
I haven’t seen Judy yet, but I aim to soon.