Marilyn Monroe: Self-Made Star

‘I want to be an artist, an actress with integrity.’
– Marilyn Monroe

The cultural phenomenon of Marilyn Monroe has endured for generations, though she is often reduced to a sex symbol frozen in time, or a tragic figure with a focus on the scandals, marriages and troubles that punctuated her personal life. But Monroe’s achievements, legacy and contribution to cinema stretch so far beyond this reductive view. She was a dynamic and intuitive performer who knew how to use her intelligence and physicality, as well as her style and carefully crafted image, as expressive instruments. She was also a determined and ambitious creative who revolutionised the promotion machine, challenged the studio system by striking to protest poor-quality scripts and became one of the first women since the silent era to set up her own production company.

In the century since the birth of Norma Jeane, we invite you to look more deeply into the cinema of Marilyn Monroe to appreciate her craft, charisma and ebullience. This month features dazzling musicals, comedic turns, thrilling drama and a British-made film produced by Monroe, highlighting the depth of the talent behind the big-screen legend.

Kimberley Sheehan, season curator

Re-release

The Misfits

Marilyn Monroe’s final film is a poignant and poetic drama, infused with the promise of what could have been had she had more time to explore her skills as a dramatic performer.

Events

25 and Under: An Introduction to Marilyn Monroe

An introduction to one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars.

Philosophical Screens: How to Marry a Millionaire

A discussion of the themes raised in one of Marilyn Monroe’s most celebrated films.

The Marilyn Monroe Century Book Talk with authors Joshua John Miller and Mark Fortin, and actor Rose McGowan + Niagara

A discussion of Marilyn Monroe’s career and an introduction to one of her most acclaimed dramatic films.

What Could Have Been: Something’s Got to Give

An illustrated talk examining the background of Marilyn Monroe’s final, unfinished film.

Marilynspirations Double Bill

This Claudette Colbert and Jean Harlow double bill celebrates the stars that influenced Marilyn Monroe.

Marilyn in Her Own Words... + intro

Two insightful documentaries, featuring a couple of the few interviews conducted with Marilyn Monroe, give the star her voice.

Eve and Marilyn + Q&A with Eve Arnold’s grandson, Michael Arnold

This short documentary and discussion will examine Monroe’s work with photojournalist Eve Arnold.

Marilyn Monroe Study Day

Take a contextual deep dive into Marilyn Monroe with this dedicated day of talks and screenings.

Star Attractions

These musicals and comedies showcase Marilyn Monroe at her triple-threat best.

Some Like It Hot

Marilyn Monroe sizzles opposite Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon in Billy Wilder’s great comedy.

Some Like It Hot + extended intro by season curator Kimberley Sheehan

Marilyn Monroe sizzles opposite Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon in Billy Wilder’s great comedy.

Some Like It Hot + intro

Marilyn Monroe sizzles opposite Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon in Billy Wilder’s genre-melding comic masterpiece.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell make a magnetic duo as two showgirls pursuing a match in Howard Hawks’ classic comedy musical.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes + intro by BFI Film Programmer Rógan Graham

Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell make a magnetic duo as two showgirls pursuing a match in Howard Hawks’ classic comedy musical.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes + intro

Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell make for a magnetic duo, playing two showgirls pursuing a perfect match in Howard Hawks’ classic comedy musical.

How to Marry a Millionaire

In this hilarious comedy, Marilyn Monroe teams up with Betty Grable and Lauren Bacall on a mission to marry wealthy suitors.

How to Marry a Millionaire + intro by Lucy Bolton, Queen Mary University of London

In this hilarious comedy, Marilyn Monroe teams up with Betty Grable and Lauren Bacall on a mission to marry wealthy suitors.

How to Marry a Millionaire + intro

In this hilarious comedy, Marilyn Monroe teams up with Betty Grable and Lauren Bacall as three women on a mission to marry wealthy suitors.

The Prince and the Showgirl

Marilyn Monroe is an American chorus girl who snares a prince, in the first film produced by her own production company.

The Prince and the Showgirl + intro

Marilyn Monroe is an American chorus girl who snares a prince, in the first film produced by her own production company.

Let’s Make Love

Marilyn Monroe shines opposite French star Yves Montand in this musical comedy of deception and misunderstandings.

Let’s Make Love + intro by Anna Smith, broadcaster, film critic and host of Girls on Film

Marilyn Monroe shines opposite French star Yves Montand in this musical comedy of deception and misunderstandings.

Ladies of the Chorus

Monroe delivers a luminous performance in her first major role, in this long‑forgotten B‑movie musical.

Ladies of the Chorus + intro by season curator Kimberley Sheehan

Monroe delivers a luminous performance in her first major role, in this long‑forgotten B‑movie musical.

The Seven Year Itch

Marilyn Monroe is a middle-aged man’s ultimate fantasy in this comedy by Billy Wilder.

The Seven Year Itch + intro by Ruby McGuigan, BFI Programme Development Manager

Marilyn Monroe is a middle-aged man’s ultimate fantasy in this comedy by Billy Wilder.

Scene Stealer

Small parts, big impact.

Monkey Business

Marilyn Monroe shines as a not-so-sharp secretary in this screwball comedy starring Cary Grant and Ginger Rogers.

Monkey Business + intro by BFI Programme and Research Coordinator Giulia Saccogna

Marilyn Monroe shines as a not-so-sharp secretary in this screwball comedy starring Cary Grant and Ginger Rogers.

There’s No Business Like Show Business

Marilyn Monroe is a knockout in this musical comedy about a family of entertainers.

There’s No Business Like Show Business + intro

Marilyn Monroe is a knockout in this musical comedy about a family of entertainers.

All About Eve

Marilyn Monroe steals all of her scenes in this Hollywood classic about an ageing star unwittingly letting an aspiring actress into her life.

All About Eve + intro by film and cultural events programmer Caroline Cassin

Marilyn Monroe steals all of her scenes in this Hollywood classic about an ageing star unwittingly letting an aspiring actress into her life.

Clash by Night

Marilyn Monroe impresses as a naïve small-town girl in Fritz Lang’s dark melodrama fraught with sexual tension.

Clash by Night + intro by season curator Kimberley Sheehan

Marilyn Monroe impresses as a naïve small-town girl in Fritz Lang’s dark melodrama fraught with sexual tension.

As Young as You Feel

A man battles against mandatory retirement in this quirky film from Marilyn Monroe’s early career.

As Young as You Feel + intro