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Case Study 9
Axe 5
Objet d'étude 4

An American dream in lights and shadows

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The scenario

Framing Marilyn: a Hollywood trailer
A major film studio has assigned you the task of creating a trailer for an upcoming documentary on Marilyn Monroe, exploring her rise to fame, her struggles, and her legacy. Using photos and movie clips, you will record a voice-over which highlights her journey.
Placeholder pour Portrait de Marilyn Monroe.Portrait de Marilyn Monroe.
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Culture note

Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962) was an American actress. Born Norma Jeane Mortenson, she became famous through Hollywood's star system, known for roles in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Some Like It Hot. She died at 36.
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1
Selling the American Dream

Selling the American Dream


  If you're at all familiar with old Hollywood movie stars, you're sure to be familiar with at least one “discovered” story – most big stars of the day had them. Marilyn Monroe was discovered by a photographer while working in a California munitions factory during World War II. John Wayne was discovered while doing grunt work, moving props on the set of a film. [...] These stories, printed and reprinted in fan magazines of the time, became a sort of personalized lore that followed old Hollywood stars for their entire careers and served several important functions. Chiefly, that of marketing. [...]
  In an age before televised interviews were the norm, let alone any social media, a good down to earth backstory helped to encourage parasocial relationships that would attach an audience to their favorite celebrity. With such a narrative, Marilyn became much more than just a Hollywood star – she was something better – an all-American girl who'd made it big, and a symbol for the public of what was possible. [...]
  In the period following WWII, when Hollywood was at its most influential, this idea that a star could come from anywhere played directly into the myth of the American Dream. The dream that with hard work – socioeconomic status be damned – anyone can attain enviable success. The dream that with a little luck, even you could be a star.
Donovan Trott,
Medium, December 2022.
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2
Hollywood's star factory



Placeholder pour Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles, 1953.Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles, 1953.

Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles, 1953.
Vidéo associée
(Timing: from 0:00 to 2:16)
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Step 1


1
Pick out key factors that contributed to the rise of movie stars in Hollywood.
2
Explain how the studio system shaped an actor's career and public image.
3
In what ways did Marilyn Monroe embody the American Dream?
Action!

Write a short voice-over introduction for your trailer, highlighting Marilyn Monroe's rise to fame in the Hollywood star system.
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3
Becoming Marilyn

Becoming Marilyn


  On Broadway, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes had been a revue of musical numbers, not a musical comedy. There was no “story” and there were no “characters.” The movie was only slightly more coherent but coherence wasn't the point. When Norma Jeane received the script she'd been shocked at how underdeveloped and insipid her character was; she'd wanted more dialogue for Lorelei Lee, a turn or a twist to Lorelei's character, some background, some depth, but of course this was denied her. She'd envied the more adult and more intelligent role of Dorothy but was told, “Look, you're the blonde, Marilyn. You're Lorelei.” The Blond actress's smile faded as she watched the movie. [...]
  So strange! The audience adored Lorelei Lee. They liked Dorothy, too – Jane Russell was wonderfully warm, attractive, sympathetic, and funny – but clearly the audience preferred Lorelei Lee. Why? Such rapt, smiling faces. Marilyn Monroe was a winner, and everyone loves a winner. Oh the irony was, surely these people all knew: Marilyn didn't exist.
Joyce Carol Oates,
Blonde, 1999.
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Placeholder pour Couverture du livre Blonde de Joyce Carol Oates.Couverture du livre Blonde de Joyce Carol Oates.
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Step 2


1
How did Marilyn Monroe feel about her role in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes?
2
Find quotes that show how the audience perceived Marilyn Monroe's character.
3
What does the sentence “Marilyn didn't exist” reveal about her sense of identity?
Action!

Write a section of your voice-over that focuses on the gap between the woman and the star.
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4
Pop Art icon

Placeholder pour Exposition d'Andy Warhol au Musée d'Art Pablo Picasso, Münster, 2022.Exposition d'Andy Warhol au Musée d'Art Pablo Picasso, Münster, 2022.

“Andy Warhol” exhibition at the Pablo Picasso Museum of Art, Münster, 2022.
Vidéo associée
(Timing: from 0:00 to 3:13)
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Step 3


1
Pick out quotes from the video that show how Andy Warhol transformed Marilyn Monroe into a pop culture symbol.
2
What do his color choices and use of repetition symbolize?
3
What does the video suggest about the connection between Marilyn Monroe, fame, and tragedy?
Action!

Decide how to visually represent Marilyn Monroe's legacy in your trailer (photos, movie clips, quotes).
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Ready...

  • Gather your notes on Marilyn Monroe's journey and her legacy.

  • Choose the most striking quotes and visuals to support your message.
Steady...

  • Outline the structure of your trailer. How will you transition between ideas?

  • Write your script, using rhythm for impact. Mix short, powerful statements with more fluid, reflective lines to shape emotion.
Go!

  • Record your voice-over, paying attention to tone and emphasis.

  • Put together images and sound in a short, compelling trailer.
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