Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
1953
"Don't you know that a man being rich is like a girl being pretty? You wouldn't marry a girl just because she's pretty, but my goodness, doesn't it help?"
Lorelei Lee
Another film of the 1950s so bear with me, but honestly, these are great classics. I watched, On the Waterfront, Rear Window, Touch of Evil, An Affair to Remember, Shadows, The Searchers, Rebel Without A Cause, Anatomy of A Murder, Sunset Boulevard, Imitation of Life, and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes this past summer session of college. It was a great experience, one I will always remember. But, aside from the introduction to many film techniques and camera angles in this class, I want introduce you to Ms. Marilyn Monroe.
She was definitely not as naive as she may have assumed as appeared on screen. Marilyn was smart, poignant and actually funny. The roles Marilyn played in her career sort of imitated her life. She drew a lot of attention for her golden locks, her pouty lips and her full hips. But, Marilyn showed us a different side to her wit and charm in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, she was indeed the man magnet, but more so the diamond temptress.
What I adored about this film was the concept around blondes versus brunettes. Do blondes have more fun? Do they get attention? Or does the attention come naturally?
I think diamonds and love were more of the film's theme. It just seemed as if Marilyn's character had a love affair with diamonds. She was blind to the attention she drew from the men, but more so with a passion to wear those gems. But Marilyn was smart and careful, she knew what she wanted, and she went after it.
So, there was this discussion about Jane Russell's role after wards. Jane has great scene presence as well. Tall and slender, great voice, and charisma. But, was she ignored by men, was she less preferred?
The interesting thing about these two characters is that Jane's character was seeking love, and Marilyn's character was seeking diamonds. Jane had sexuality, she wanted to expose it. Marilyn more subtle but armed with charm when appropriate. Jane's character finds love, and pushes it away, but Marilyn's character finds a diamond and pursues it.
I used to think that appearances were important just in the beginning, but, I also realized that appearances were only a slight glimpse into someones soul.
Blonde or Brunette? Does it really matter? After awhile Marilyn is right; you don't marry a girl just because she is pretty, but because it does help. Attraction has many different facets, love has horizontal and vertical wavelengths. When one can love beyond appearances, love can set sail.
I never found out if gentlemen really do prefer blondes until the final scene where Jane becomes blonde in the courtroom. Men might have a slight tendency to side with the blonde, but, ultimately who's the fool when the blonde is just playing you?
Enjoy.....
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bobbot
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Comments
She was the original "Blonde Bombshell", they even coined the term for her. Prior to her, brunettes were getting all the hot action, then "Sea Change" all of a sudden blondes are having more fun.
I always lusted after redheads and got blondes instead, go figure.
(R)ated for watching movies made before you were born.
Excuse me, "Inglorious Basterds!" just started.
Fred... ooohh that sounds awesome. And yes, we do give her a low bar, but I simply found out early on that she's more than the eyes can see. Redheads.. yes, forgot about them ;-)
vzn... hmmm interesting. I have to see it now!