Beneath the Blonde Bombshell: Unmasking the Real Marilyn Monroe

 

Welcome to Chapter 6 of Feminist Musing; the next on the list is Marilyn Monroe. I am Reet Hande, and let's learn about Marilyn Monroe from a feminist lens. 

"I don’t mind living in a man’s world as long as I can be a woman in it."

In the pantheon of Hollywood legends, few names shine as brightly or burn as intensely, as Marilyn Monroe. The blonde bombshell with an unforgettable beauty and an allure that transcended generations, she is a figure whose image and legacy continue to captivate our collective imagination. Monroe's life was marked by triumphs and tragedies, a rollercoaster of fame, fortune, and personal strife that ultimately met a tragic end. In this blog post, we will delve into the enigmatic world of Marilyn Monroe, exploring the woman behind the iconic persona and the enduring allure of her story.

The Birth of Norma Jeane Mortenson

Before she became the world-renowned Marilyn Monroe, she was Norma Jeane Mortenson, born in Los Angeles on June 1, 1926. Her early life was a stark contrast to the glamorous existence she would later lead. Raised by Christian foster parents due to her mother's mental health issues, she had a turbulent childhood. Her mother, Gladys Pearl Baker, struggled to provide for her, and her father was absent from her life.

Marilyn's upbringing was marked by a constant shuffle between orphanages and foster homes. At the age of eight, she endured the trauma of sexual abuse, a dark episode that left indelible scars on her psyche. School wasn't much of a refuge either, as she faced taunts and ridicule from her peers, who found her tall and thin, with short, scraggly hair.

Yet, amidst these hardships, a spark of hope shone through. Monroe found solace and inspiration in the movies of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Those silver screen fantasies fueled her dreams of a better life, and she immersed herself in the world of cinema. She idolized stars like Clark Gable and aspired to be a glamorous actress like Jean Harlow, the iconic blonde bombshell of her era.

A Life in Transition

At the age of 16, Monroe married Jim Dougherty, a 21-year-old, to avoid being placed back in the foster care system. The young couple faced challenges as World War II raged on. Dougherty enlisted in the Merchant Marine, while Marilyn worked in a munitions factory, where her beauty was first discovered.

A chance encounter with a photographer at the factory marked the turning point in her life. He saw in her a morale booster for the troops and snapped her picture to lift their spirits. Monroe's journey into the world of modeling had begun, and her transformation was underway.

She changed her name to Marilyn Monroe, first as a screen name and later legally in 1956, a symbolic act of leaving Norma Jeane Mortenson behind and fully embracing her new identity. Her journey involved meticulous grooming, including straightening her hair and dyeing it blonde. The once scrawny girl with short hair became the epitome of a Hollywood starlet.

Monroe's career was a testament to her relentless ambition and determination. She worked tirelessly, investing time and effort into honing her modeling skills. She wasn't content with mediocrity; she scrutinized her own photographs, studying her image to improve her poses in front of the mirror. Monroe was as much an artist as an actress, constantly striving for excellence.

Her infectious charm wasn't limited to the silver screen; she had a way of making everyone she spoke to feel like the most important person in the world. This genuine, human element set her apart from the fabricated personas of other stars.

A Legend Unveiled

Monroe's rise to stardom was remarkable, especially considering the formidable obstacles she faced. The Hollywood of the 1950s was a male-dominated realm, with the studio system dictating the careers of actors and actresses. However, Monroe broke free from these constraints and fought for her rights and equality in the industry.

Her talent wasn't limited to her comedic roles as the iconic "dumb blonde." She was a triple-threat artist, showcasing her singing and dancing skills in films like "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." Her impeccable comedic timing and magnetic presence made her a joy to watch. When she graced the screen, all eyes were on her, captivated by her luminous performance.

Monroe's legacy is multifaceted. Her comedic roles are celebrated for their depth, often tinged with ambiguity regarding her characters' intelligence. She made her audience laugh while challenging preconceived notions. Monroe had a unique ability to convey depth beneath the surface of her characters, and her performances continue to resonate with audiences.

The Private Struggles of a Public Icon

Despite her professional success, Monroe's personal life was marked by profound struggles. Her marriages to Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller were tumultuous, as both husbands struggled to understand her as a person rather than as an icon. Monroe longed for love and acceptance, but her relationships were marred by misunderstandings and the weight of her celebrity.

Her own journal reveals the depth of her inner turmoil. She grappled with a profound fear of being someone's wife, convinced that true love was an elusive ideal. The added heartache of her inability to carry a child to term, with multiple pregnancies ending in miscarriages, only intensified her feelings of inadequacy and unfulfilled femininity.

Despite these personal challenges, Monroe was a shrewd political operator who turned scandals into opportunities. When nude photos of her were published without her consent in Playboy, she cleverly used the situation to her advantage, turning it into free advertising. Her openness about her tumultuous past endeared her to the public, making her a relatable figure.

Monroe's fight for creative control within the studio system was groundbreaking. She founded Marilyn Monroe Productions and renegotiated her contract with 20th Century Fox, securing not only a higher salary but also control over her roles. In her quest for equality and change in Hollywood, she was a trailblazer and a feminist before the term was widely understood. 

Marilyn Monroe as a Feminist Icon

Marilyn Monroe was much more than just a pretty face. Her career symbolizes a transformation in the entertainment industry where women were not only valued for their physical appearance but also for their intelligence and talent. Marilyn's journey from a troubled childhood to becoming one of the most celebrated actresses in Hollywood was not without its challenges, but she proved that a woman could rise above societal expectations. She was determined to be taken seriously as an actress, not just as a sex symbol. Monroe's portrayal of characters in films like "Bus Stop" and "The Misfits" showed her depth as an actress, breaking away from the "dumb blonde" stereotype.

Monroe's unabashed embrace of her own sexuality was a feminist statement in its own right. At a time when women's sexual freedom was heavily restricted, Marilyn's openness about her desires and independence was revolutionary. She believed that women should have control over their own bodies and that their sexuality was not something to be ashamed of. Her famous quote, "I don't mind living in a man's world as long as I can be a woman in it," reflects her determination to navigate a patriarchal society on her own terms.

Long before the modern wave of gender equality and pay parity movements, Marilyn Monroe was advocating for equal pay in Hollywood. She fought for better working conditions for actors and was one of the first women in the industry to establish her own production company. This pioneering spirit set an example for future generations of female stars and helped pave the way for more equitable treatment of women in the film industry.

3 Lesser-Known Facts About Marilyn Monroe

• Her Passion for Literature: Many people are surprised to discover that Marilyn Monroe was an avid reader and had a profound love for literature. She had a personal library of over 400 books, including works by esteemed authors like James Joyce, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Ernest Hemingway. Her intellectual pursuits demonstrate that she was not just a symbol of sensuality but a woman of depth and intellect.

• Monroe's Philanthropic Side: Marilyn Monroe had a compassionate heart and was involved in several philanthropic endeavors. She often visited hospitals to lift the spirits of sick children and was instrumental in founding the 'Marilyn Monroe Children's Center' at the L.A. Hospital. Her commitment to giving back to the community reflected her desire to make the world a better place.

• A Budding Photographer: Monroe's talent extended beyond acting and modeling; she was a budding photographer. During her downtime on film sets, she would often capture candid moments with her colleagues and friends. Her eye for detail and composition showcased a different side of her creative abilities and provides an intimate glimpse into her world.

A Shining Star Dimmed Too Soon

Monroe's professional difficulties in her final years are well-documented. Her last film, "The Misfits," co-written by her husband Arthur Miller, was a reflection of the decline of their own relationship. Playing a character closely mirroring herself was emotionally taxing for Monroe, and the film was a commercial disappointment.

One thing is certain: Marilyn Monroe's untimely passing preserved her in the public's imagination as forever young and eternally captivating. The mystery surrounding her death, coupled with her enduring beauty and talent, keeps her memory alive. The sense of loss, of what could have been if she had lived longer, fuels our continued fascination with her.

Marilyn Monroe's legacy endures because she cares about us, her audience. Her films are a testament to her artistry and remind us of the person behind the iconic image. She was more than a symbol of tragedy; she was a symbol of triumph. Marilyn Monroe represents a chapter in American history, an indelible figure in our collective memory.

In her final interview, Monroe had one request: "Please don't make me a joke." She wanted to be remembered as an artist with integrity. Her words, left unpublished, reflect the depth of her desires and the unfulfilled potential she held within her. Monroe was more than just an image; she was a complex, multifaceted human being.

How did Marilyn Monroe die?

Tragically, Monroe's life was cut short at the age of 36. Her death remains shrouded in mystery, a subject of ongoing debate. Some believe it was suicide, others an accident, and a few even suggest conspiracy theories involving the Kennedys or medical malpractice.

Monroe's death was a dark cloud that casts a long shadow over the golden age of Hollywood. Officially ruled as an overdose and "probable suicide," her passing was attributed to acute barbiturate poisoning. The toxicology report indicated that she had ingested a lethal dose of Nembutal, a drug often used to treat anxiety, along with a significant amount of chloral hydrate, a sedative.

The enigma surrounding her death, however, goes far beyond these findings. Rumors and conspiracy theories have persisted for decades, suggesting that foul play may have been involved. One theory revolves around her alleged affairs with President John F. Kennedy and his brother, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. Some even speculate that Robert Kennedy may have visited her on the fateful night of her death. Furthermore, there are whispers that the CIA might have played a role in her demise.

The controversy was so fervent that the Los Angeles Police Department reopened her case two decades later, but the verdict remained unchanged—a drug overdose. Journalist Anthony Summers conducted his own investigation, resulting in 650 tape-recorded interviews and The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes. Summers noted, "There is no good evidence she was murdered. I think it's more likely—whether as a cry for help or intending suicide—she took too many pills."

What happened to Marilyn Monroe's corpse?

Marilyn Monroe's death was not the end of the peculiar and unsettling journey her remains would take. Her psychiatrist, distressed by the tragic discovery of her lifeless body, smashed a window to gain entry into her room. The emergency services were summoned, and the police arrived to transport her to a mortuary for an autopsy. However, this is where things take an even more unsettling turn.

Reporters, driven by sensationalism and the desire for a scoop, took unethical measures to obtain photographs of Monroe's lifeless body. Many of them reportedly bribed morgue guards to capture these ghastly images. These photographs, despite their macabre nature, were allegedly displayed in a Hollywood museum and, at some point, were consigned to the archives. The violation of her privacy did not end with her passing.

What remains perhaps most disconcerting about the aftermath of Monroe's death is how she continued to be fetishized and idolized. She had no control over what was happening to her body or the photographs circulating around the world. Even in death, she was objectified.

Strangely, the infatuation with Monroe did not end with her passing, as exemplified by the unusual requests made by those who lay to rest beside her. Richard Poncher, upon his death, asked to be buried face down, directly on top of Marilyn Monroe, a bizarre wish that continues to baffle many. And then there's Hugh Hefner, the legendary Playboy magazine mogul, who published Marilyn's nude photograph without her consent in the magazine's first playmate issue during the '50s. In an odd twist of fate, Hefner chose to be buried beside her.

Penning down my heart

Marilyn Monroe's story is one of triumph and tragedy, of personal struggles and professional success. She was more than an iconic image; she was a talented actress, a trailblazer, and a feminist before her time. Her legacy endures because she resonated with the public on a deeply human level, and her films continue to captivate new generations.

I wanted to take a moment to express just how much I love and admire her. Her timeless beauty and captivating charisma have left an indelible mark on my heart. From her iconic presence on-screen to her vulnerable moments captured in photographs, she has shown the world what it means to be unapologetically yourself.

Her ability to transcend time and connect with people across generations is a testament to your enduring allure. Her journey, filled with ups and downs, reminds us all that strength and vulnerability can coexist, and that authenticity is a rare and precious quality.

Her words and actions have inspired me in countless ways, teaching me to embrace my own uniqueness and to never be afraid of expressing who I truly am. Your grace, your laughter, and your unforgettable smile continue to bring joy to my life. Marilyn Monroe, a woman of integrity, an artist, and an icon, will forever be remembered as the blonde who haunted the American imagination.