By all means avoid this film... I see its being sold on Ebay for a staggering $56.00. The back of the DVD states that it is a "absolutely dazzling movie".... Out of complete respect for its subject, don't waste your hard earned money on this garbage. I agree with every bad review for this film, it is at the bottom of the barrel in film making. When released in my home town way back in 1976 it was playing at the local Drive In with the catch phrase "This is how it really was". It angers me that this film is a complete disrespect to a human being who was so far above the bile that this film perpetrates. We all know what a casting couch is. Norma Jean did participate in order to further her career but 75 minutes of rape,abuse and continuous degradation was how it really was?.... Are you kidding me? Its completely negligent to suggest that M. Monroe was only born to suffer or be humiliated because she was beautiful, as this film suggests.
First thing first. I understand what low budget means. But some simple, accurate research into the life of its title character by its makers might have resulted in something that could have been watchable. Look at todays Indie Films like "Precious" They are made on the cheap but they tell a story that enthralls us and have actors who make us care: "Goodbye Norma Jean" presents disgusting false plot lines that are not in the least bit sexy. The movie in all its grainy, jumpy, 70"s feel ups the ante for the ICK factor. The script, production values, sets and costumes are all horrible. There is not one attempt at recreating M. Monroes iconic clothing that anybody would recognize. Misty Rowe's wig alone is completely ridiculous. The rest of the cast are extremely bad actors who are written as inhuman. They collaborate eagerly with each other to abuse and victimize Norma Jean at every turn. The set walls wobble back and forth when doors are opened or closed in scenes. The lighting is either glaring, shadowy or non existent. I don't have one positive reason to view this appalling film.
I will also note that this film can and will never fit into the realm of a camp classic. Most camp classic films starts out with good intentions, keep you interested, and allow you to laugh at it while appreciating the overall badness of it all. This film had NO good intentions from the beginning. It was produced to exploit Monroes reputation, in the hopes of making a quick buck at the expense of its sensitive, and better deserving subject. The telefilms "Marilyn, The Untold Story" with Catherine Hicks or "Blonde" with Poppy Mongomery are far superior at explaining the myth behind the legend. Or do yourself a favor and watch a film from Marilyn's own library of classics. "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" "7 Year Itch", "Bus Stop", or "The Misfits" would be a good place to start.
First thing first. I understand what low budget means. But some simple, accurate research into the life of its title character by its makers might have resulted in something that could have been watchable. Look at todays Indie Films like "Precious" They are made on the cheap but they tell a story that enthralls us and have actors who make us care: "Goodbye Norma Jean" presents disgusting false plot lines that are not in the least bit sexy. The movie in all its grainy, jumpy, 70"s feel ups the ante for the ICK factor. The script, production values, sets and costumes are all horrible. There is not one attempt at recreating M. Monroes iconic clothing that anybody would recognize. Misty Rowe's wig alone is completely ridiculous. The rest of the cast are extremely bad actors who are written as inhuman. They collaborate eagerly with each other to abuse and victimize Norma Jean at every turn. The set walls wobble back and forth when doors are opened or closed in scenes. The lighting is either glaring, shadowy or non existent. I don't have one positive reason to view this appalling film.
I will also note that this film can and will never fit into the realm of a camp classic. Most camp classic films starts out with good intentions, keep you interested, and allow you to laugh at it while appreciating the overall badness of it all. This film had NO good intentions from the beginning. It was produced to exploit Monroes reputation, in the hopes of making a quick buck at the expense of its sensitive, and better deserving subject. The telefilms "Marilyn, The Untold Story" with Catherine Hicks or "Blonde" with Poppy Mongomery are far superior at explaining the myth behind the legend. Or do yourself a favor and watch a film from Marilyn's own library of classics. "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" "7 Year Itch", "Bus Stop", or "The Misfits" would be a good place to start.