Why Marilyn Monroe’s Role in ‘My Week with Marilyn’ Became a Cultural Milestone—And What It Revealed About Her

Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson, was one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures, rising to fame in the 1950s as a symbol of both glamour and vulnerability. Known for her performances in films like The Seven Year Itch and Bus Stop, Monroe’s career took a notable turn with the 1957 romantic comedy The Prince and the Showgirl. In this film, she portrayed Elsie Marina, an American showgirl caught in political intrigue with a European prince, played by Laurence Olivier. However, it was not just Monroe’s performance that made The Prince and the Showgirl significant; it was also the behind-the-scenes drama that would go on to influence the film’s legacy.

This very drama became the foundation for My Week with Marilyn (2011), a film directed by Simon Curtis, which brought Monroe’s captivating personality and tumultuous experience on set back to life. The story centers on a week during the production of The Prince and the Showgirl when Colin Clark, a young production assistant, spent time with Monroe. It is through My Week with Marilyn that we gain a deeper understanding of how Monroe made this role legendary, both in her real life and in Hollywood history.

The Production and Reception of The Prince and the Showgirl

The Prince and the Showgirl was a pivotal moment in Monroe’s career. It was her first independent production, co-founded by Monroe and photographer Milton Greene, and marked her desire to take control of her own career. The film, however, was not without its struggles. The set was riddled with tension, particularly between Monroe and Olivier. Monroe, known for her method acting style, was heavily influenced by her acting coach, Paula Strasberg, which often led to her being late on set. Olivier, a renowned actor and director, found her approach frustrating, and the clash of their working styles became the stuff of Hollywood legend.

Despite the production difficulties, Monroe’s performance was widely praised for its charm and vulnerability, earning her nominations for Best Foreign Actress at the British Academy Film Awards in 1958 and a win at the David di Donatello Awards. The film itself received mixed reviews, with a 56% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with Variety describing it as a “generally pleasant comedy, but the pace is leisurely.” While the film did well in the UK, grossing $4.3 million, it failed to match the financial success of her earlier hits in the US.

The legacy of The Prince and the Showgirl lies not only in its critical reception and box office performance but also in the drama surrounding its production. This behind-the-scenes turmoil became integral to its cultural significance, setting the stage for My Week with Marilyn to revisit Monroe’s experiences on set and immortalize her vulnerability.

My Week with Marilyn: Bringing Monroe’s Legacy to Life

In My Week with Marilyn, Michelle Williams took on the monumental task of portraying Marilyn Monroe. To embody the complexity of Monroe, Williams underwent extensive preparation, including gaining weight to match Monroe’s physicality and studying her films and recordings to capture the essence of her iconic presence. The film is based on the books My Week with Marilyn by Colin Clark and The Prince, the Showgirl, and Me by Clark, which recount his time spent with Monroe during the production of The Prince and the Showgirl.

Williams’ portrayal was lauded for its authenticity, capturing both the public and private aspects of Monroe’s persona. As Roger Ebert wrote, the film’s success hinged on Williams’ ability to evoke “many Marilyns, public and private, real and make-believe,” giving audiences a complex and emotional glimpse into the woman behind the glamorous star. Ebert also predicted that Williams’ performance would garner Oscar nominations, further solidifying the film’s impact and Monroe’s legendary status.

The film’s focus on a specific week of Monroe’s life allowed it to highlight her vulnerability and struggles with fame, as well as her interactions with the cast and crew on set. Particularly poignant was the observation made by Judi Dench’s character, Dame Sybil Thorndike, who noted, “When Monroe is onscreen, nothing else matters.” This remark emphasized the magnetic presence Monroe had, both on and off-screen, and the film captured how that presence was the key to her legendary status.

The Enduring Legacy of Monroe’s Role

Monroe’s role in The Prince and the Showgirl, as seen through the lens of My Week with Marilyn, exemplifies how her challenges on set only added to the legendary nature of her career. While Monroe faced external struggles, such as tensions with Olivier and challenges with the film’s pacing, it was her internal conflicts—her vulnerability, her insecurities, and her desire for artistic control—that made her portrayal of Elsie Marina unforgettable. The fact that Monroe’s personal struggles became intertwined with her performances only deepened her connection to her audience, cementing her as a symbol of both strength and fragility.

My Week with Marilyn is a love letter to that very complexity, giving a modern audience the chance to understand and appreciate the human side of the star. Michelle Williams’ stunning portrayal of Monroe, alongside the exploration of her real-life struggles, helped elevate Monroe’s legacy as one of Hollywood’s most enigmatic and beloved icons.

In the end, My Week with Marilyn did not just tell the story of a week on a film set—it immortalized the essence of a woman who, despite her personal turmoil, created a legendary career that still resonates with audiences today. Monroe’s role in The Prince and the Showgirl remains a key part of that legacy, a testament to her artistry, vulnerability, and enduring star power.