Michelle Williams in "My Week With Marilyn"; photo courtesy of the  Weinstein Company

“My Week With Marilyn” (The Weinstein Company)

In the mid 1950’s Marilyn Monroe traveled to London to make a film with Sir Laurence Olivier titled “The Prince and the Showgirl.” It proved to be quite an experience for the British acting legend as he could hardly cope with the personal quirks and habits of the larger than life star. All of this is seen through the eyes of a third assistant director Monroe befriended during her short stay in England. Michelle Williams and Kenneth Branagh bring the two legends to life and make this a better than average film.

Colin Clark (Eddie Redmayne) wants to be part of the British moviemaking community. To this goal he secures the job of a third assistant director on a film titled “The Sleeping Prince.” It will later be titled “The Prince and the Showgirl” and will star Marilyn Monroe and Sir Laurence Olivier.

Being on set Clark gets a firsthand look at the interplay between Olivier and Monroe. They are decidedly different in temperament and personality. Olivier is also directing the film and he is a by the book director. He expects Monroe to be on the set, on time and ready to work. She is going through her “method acting” phase and has her acting coach, Paula Strasberg (Zoe Wanamaker) on set with her.

The best scenes in the movie are the ones with Colin and Marilyn when she “escapes” from the set and her husband Arthur Miller (Dougray Scott) is not around. This is when we get the most insight into Monroe’s character. We also see how she can turn “Marilyn Monroe” the star on and off.

Williams is absolutely amazing as Monroe. She lives and breathes the character in every move and every action. Williams has certainly come a long way from her days on “Dawson’s Creek.” She is one of the few “go to” actresses in Hollywood today. Branagh also immerses himself into Olivier’s character. He is a man growing older in a profession that glorifies youth and it is taking its toll on his emotions.

Emma Watson is appealing in a small role as a potential girlfriend for Clark. The role doesn’t require much in the way of acting skills but she does make herself known. Judi Dench also has a small role as Dame Sybil Thorndike and draws the focus to her every time she appears on screen.

Redmayne has the thankless role of Colin Clark. His main emotion is awe and he handles it nicely. He appears young and foolish in the way any twenty-three year old male would have been in the presence of someone like Monroe. Redmayne certainly possesses acting talent and he grows in each role in which he appears.

The film is rated R for nudity and profanity.

Michelle Williams should certainly be recognized for this performance when acting nominations come out. She is amazingly good. Because of her, and also Branagh, the movie is one that audiences will enjoy and recommend to their friends.

I scored “My Week With Marilyn” a blonde 7 out of 10.