Blonde (2022 film)

Blonde is a 2022 American biographical psychological drama film written and directed by Andrew Dominik. It is based on the 2000 novel of the same name by Joyce Carol Oates. The film is a fictionalized take on the life of actress Marilyn Monroe, portrayed by Ana de Armas.

The film features a supporting cast that includes Adrien Brody as Arthur Miller, Bobby Cannavale as Joe DiMaggio, and Julianne Nicholson as Gladys Pearl Baker, Monroe's mother.

Blonde is notable for its exploration of Monroe's personal life, mental health struggles, and exploitation within the Hollywood system. It does not adhere strictly to historical accuracy, presenting a more impressionistic and symbolic representation of Monroe's experiences. The film is presented in a shifting aspect ratio and alternating between color and black-and-white.

Blonde premiered at the 79th Venice International Film Festival in September 2022 and was released on Netflix later that month. The film received polarized reviews, with praise for de Armas' performance and the film's visual style, but criticism for its graphic content and perceived exploitative nature of Monroe's story. It garnered nominations for several awards, including a Best Actress nomination for de Armas at the Academy Awards.