Sexual abuse scene in new film about Marilyn Monroe causes controversy

The highly anticipated Marilyn Monroe biopic starring Ana de Armas was the subject of controversy even before its release after early viewers criticized a shocking scene involving sexual abuse. Critics and internet users questioned the motivations behind the scene.

“Blonde” is scheduled to premiere in theaters and on streaming services at the end of September, but was released early on the US arthouse circuit. The scene that generated controversy featured Ana’s character and former US President John F. Kennedy, played by Caspar Phillipson.

The scene is graphic and has been described as disturbing several times. President Kennedy forces Marilyn to perform oral sex and then proceeds to an apparent rape. The scene reportedly lasts for over a minute and a half, with the camera focused on the actress's shocked expression as a voice in her head encourages her to endure the abuse. The scene ends with the man jumping on top of Marilyn in bed before cutting to the blonde again the next day, waking up with bruises and running to vomit in the bathroom.

Since its first showings, the scene has been criticized. According to Vulture magazine, the excerpt was “tense, disturbing, extremely uncomfortable and sensationalist.”

_{“Blonde” is based on the book of the same name by Joyce Carol Oates, check out the trailer released by Netflix. (Reproduction/YouTube)}

The newest feature film about the world cinema icon was directed by filmmaker Andrew Dominik, who disagreed with the criticism, stating that the permanence of the scene in the plot was discussed with the other producers. “It’s controversial. It’s a demanding film – it is what it is, it says what it says. And if the audience doesn’t like it, that’s the audience’s problem,” declares.

Despite the controversy, critics liked the film, highlighting the quality of Ana de Armas' performance as Marilyn, “the performance has a breathtaking brilliance, as well as a lot of imagination and a heartbreaking frankness”, says the website Variety. In addition to the performances, the director's choice to alternate the film's photography between black and white and color was also praised. “Blonde” premieres on Netflix on September 28.

Featured Photo: Ana de Armas. Reproduction/Instagram.