The filmmaker also says “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” is “romanticized whoredom.”
In a brief back-and-forth, the director elaborates on his feelings toward Monroe’s filmography.
“Does anyone watch Marilyn Monroe movies?”
Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell in ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’.20th Century-Fox/Everett
Or is it just romanticised whoredom?"
“I’ve read everything there is to read about Marilyn Monroe,” Dominik says.
“I’ve met people that knew her.
Andrew Dominik.Juan Naharro Gimenez/Getty
I’ve done an enormous amount of research.
But in the end, it’s about the book.
And adapting the book is really about adapting the feelings that the book gave me.”
He adds, “So I think the film is about the meaning of Marilyn Monroe.
She was symbolic of something.
She was the Aphrodite of the 20th century, the American goddess of love.
And she killed herself.
So what does that mean?”
One thing the film is not about, says Dominik, is historical accuracy.
So it’s all fiction anyway, in my opinion."
According to the director, it’s also not about upholding Monroe’s legacy.
He adds, “It’s about a person who is going to be killing themself.
So it’s trying to examine the reasons why they did that.
It’s not looking at her lasting legacy…
If you look at Marilyn Monroe, she’s got everything that society tells us is desirable.
If you look at the Instagram version of her life, she’s got it all.
And she killed herself.
Now, to me, that’s the most important thing.
It’s not the rest.
It’s not the moments of strength.”
Blondedebuts Sept. 28 on Netflix.
