Miller, Fortin Recast Marilyn Monroe at 100 as Architect of Her Image
Updated
Updated · Hollywood Reporter · Jun 1
Miller, Fortin Recast Marilyn Monroe at 100 as Architect of Her Image
3 articles · Updated · Hollywood Reporter · Jun 1
Joshua John Miller and Mark Fortin said their new book, timed to Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday, argues she actively built the Marilyn persona rather than simply enduring it.
Drawing on photographer Bruno Bernard’s diaries, they said Norma Jeane had already changed her hair, walk and voice before major studio backing, and even pushed for sexier images while Bernard initially resisted.
The authors said the story is already drawing film interest, with a studio meeting centered on telling Norma Jeane’s early years and delaying the fully formed “Marilyn” until the final frame.
They still said Hollywood exploited her in other ways: Monroe died in 1962 at 36, and they pointed to studio pressure, alleged casting-couch abuse and retaliation after she challenged 20th Century Fox.