In celebration of what would have been Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday, a new publication titled *Marilyn Monroe 100: The Official Centenary Publication* delves into the life and legacy of the Hollywood icon. The book features an impressive collection of photographs taken by renowned photographers Sam Shaw and Eve Arnold, who had a profound understanding of Monroe both as a star and as an individual.
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Monroe, whose real name was Norma Jean Baker, was famously known for her stunning good looks and captivating screen presence. Behind this glamorous facade, however, lay a carefully crafted persona, one that Monroe herself actively shaped. According to representatives for both Shaw and Arnold, their unique insights reveal how Monroe navigated the complexities of fame and personal identity.
Michael Arnold, the grandson of Eve Arnold, spoke to PEOPLE magazine about the close relationship between Monroe and his grandmother. The two women, each carving out their path in male-dominated industries, shared an understanding that went beyond mere photographs. “Eve said that Monroe would say to her, ‘Let’s make a Marilyn,'” Michael explained. This admission underscores Monroe’s awareness of her public image. Off-camera, she was often described as unpretentious and remarkably ordinary, contrasting sharply with the glamorous persona she portrayed to the world.
During a particularly telling moment while they were in a taxi together in New York City, a taxi driver failed to recognise Monroe until she adopted her more familiar Marilyn act. The transformation left the driver astounded, demonstrating the power of her crafted image. “She kind of lifted herself and did put on the Marilyn act,” Michael recounted, illustrating Monroe’s conscious manipulation of her public perception.
One of the defining moments in her collaboration with Eve Arnold took place during their first photoshoot in 1955. While preparing for the shoot in a playground in Mount Sinai, Monroe was spotted reading James Joyce’s *Ulysses* in the car. This was a stark deviation from her typical image as a ‘dumb blonde.’ Arnold seized the opportunity to challenge prevailing stereotypes, reinforcing the notion that Monroe was not only beautiful but also highly intelligent and literate.
Michael Arnold commented on how various media portrayals of Monroe often sensationalised her celebrity. He noted that Eve Arnold felt compelled to set the record straight, portraying Monroe in a more authentic light. “She owed it to Monroe to kind of set the record straight,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of legacy and truth in Monroe’s narrative.
Melissa Stevens, granddaughter of Sam Shaw, also weighed in on the character Monroe crafted through her performances. She stated, “The character of the dumb American blonde was a creation that Norma Jean or Marilyn Monroe made.” Stevens highlighted the brilliance of this persona, which not only showcased Monroe’s comedic talent but also stood the test of time, creating a lasting impression on popular culture.
Reflecting on her grandfather’s observations, Stevens noted that many in the industry recognised Monroe’s character as an artistic creation, expertly concocted to elicit both laughter and admiration. “Billy Wilder told her to ‘stick with that because you have a real talent for this comedy,'” she shared, reaffirming the artistic merit of Monroe’s performance style.
Shaw often described Monroe as a “tough street fighter,” a phrase that hinted at her resilience in a challenging industry. According to Stevens, her determination to succeed and fairness in advocating for herself was noteworthy. This portrayal of Monroe not only as a star but as a dedicated artist adds another layer to her complex identity, suggesting she was both vulnerable and formidable.
*Marilyn Monroe 100: The Official Centenary Publication* is a significant contribution to the understanding of this multifaceted icon. It offers a nuanced perspective on a woman who was, in many ways, a pioneer, expertly blending the roles of actress, artist, and self-made celebrity. The book, now available at various retailers, celebrates Monroe’s enduring legacy in film and popular culture.