The brighter the star, the darker the truth.|Apr. 27, 2022|United States|101 Min.|TV-MA
Genre: Crime;Documentary;Drama
Description: The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes (2022) explores the enigmatic life of one of Hollywood’s most captivating icons. This documentary, released ahead of Andrew Dominik’s fictionalized portrayal *Blonde*, delves into the controversies and conspiracy theories surrounding Marilyn Monroe’s tragic death in 1962. Directed by Emma Cooper, the film largely revisits the findings of Anthony Summers’ 1985 biography, *Goddess*.
Monroe’s life, marked by dazzling success and profound struggles, remains a compelling subject for psychological analysis, especially in the post-#MeToo era. Born Norma Jeane, she endured a turbulent childhood, moving between orphanages and foster homes, where she likely experienced sexual abuse. Despite her global fame as a sex symbol, Monroe was a deeply vulnerable individual, often at odds with the confident persona she projected.
Her relationships with influential men, including her marriage to playwright Arthur Miller, were marked by a search for protection and intellectual validation. Allegations suggest she was manipulated by figures like Peter Lawford and entangled with Robert and John F. Kennedy, whose political reputations made Monroe a liability.
Summers’ book highlights inconsistencies in the timeline and reporting of Monroe’s death from a barbiturate overdose at 36. Evidence points to a possible cover-up, allowing Bobby Kennedy to distance himself and erase their connection. The documentary opens with Monroe’s voice from an interview, reflecting on the challenge of narrating a life story.
Through archival material and investigative insights, *The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes* offers a poignant look at the complexities behind her enduring legacy.
Cast director: Emma Cooper
Cast actor: Marilyn Monroe
Original name: The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes