My first graphic novel, the dramatic and dark story of Marilyn Monroe in Tommy Redolfi's superb, Marilyn’s Monsters. There have been hundreds of retellings of the story of Marilyn, but this one is particularly striking with its dramatic illustrations and minimal text.
The story begins with timid Norma Jean Baker, finding her way to the dark Holy Wood, literally an evil looking forest, seeking stardom and immortality. The illustrations of Norma/Marilyn show a shy and insecure woman. After spending her time on the casting couch and posing for nude photos, Norma is reinvented into the glamourous Marilyn Monroe. Throughout this graphic novel, Marilyn is plagued by inner demons and experiences abuse by her second husband. She has regular contact with psychiatrist Ralph Greenson and pushes a green button whenever she needs to talk to him. Marilyn is criticized by film directors for wanting to intellectualise her movies instead of just making movies that are sexy and funny. She regresses into childhood at one stage and relies on alcohol and drugs to get her through troubled times.
The illustrations in Marilyn’s Monsters are vivid, showing dark times in the life of Marilyn, portraying her as fragile and small. The directors are evil looking, and facial expressions are mean and maniacal.
I would recommend Marilyn’s Monsters to anyone interested in the life of Marilyn Monroe, and also anyone who loves to see vivid illustrations make a story really come to life.
Find Marilyn’s Monsters by Tommy Redolfi
Fiona
Format
Graphic Novel
Reactions
