Norma Jean & Marilyn

Norma Jean & Marilyn is a 1996 made-for-TV biographical film produced by HBO and premiered on May 18, 1996. The film featured Ashley Judd as Norma Jean Dougherty and Mira Sorvino as Marilyn Monroe. It was partially based on the 1989 book Norma Jean: My Secret Life With Marilyn Monroe by actor Ted Jordan (played by Josh Charles), who claimed to have had a years-long relationship with Monroe.

Norma Jean & Marilyn
Based onGoddess, the Secret Lives of Marilyn Monroe
by Anthony Summers
Written byJill Isaacs
Directed byTim Fywell
StarringAshley Judd
Mira Sorvino
Josh Charles
Ron Rifkin
David Dukes
Peter Dobson
Lindsay Crouse
Music byChristopher Young
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
ProducerGuy Riedel
CinematographyJohn Thomas
EditorGlenn Farr
Running time135 minutes
Production companiesHBO (North America)
Miramax International (International)[1]
Release
Original networkHBO
Original releaseMay 18, 1996 (1996-05-18)

The tagline for the highly fictionalized film summarizes the plot: "Marilyn Monroe was our fantasy. Norma Jean was her reality." In dream-like scenes, Monroe and her former self appear together, with Norma Jean sometimes taunting Marilyn. The original music score was composed by Christopher Young.

It was nominated for five Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards, each including for both lead actresses.

Cast

Production

A cherry-adorned dress Sorvino wore in the film, from The Misfits (1961), was actually worn by Monroe during the filming of the original movie. It was provided to the production by designer and cinema costume collector, Gene London. While filming the movie, Sorvino acquired a small dog whom she named "Deer", after its uncanny resemblance to a Deer. She adored the dog, and kept it in her trailer while filming, so it would be there waiting for her between shots. Once, while filming at The International School of Los Angeles/Lycee International, in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles, a crew member inadvertently let the dog escape while cleaning Sorvino's trailer as she was on-set filming a shot. The school was located on a small hill, and "Deer" apparently bolted down the hill, and into the residential neighborhood below. Sorvino was inconsolable, and returned to the location nightly, cruising slowly through the area, calling out for her lost pet, and posting Reward Notices. Security Officers who worked overnight shifts on the set were advised of the situation, and were told to be alert to the possibility of Ms. Sorvino's presence, and to keep an eye out for the dog, who may return to the location. Several of the officers and other crew members even began bringing collars, leashes, dog carriers and treats with them to work, hoping to capture it, but the crew moved on to the next filming location, and it is believed that "Deer" was never found.[2]

Critical reception

The film received mixed reviews from critics.[3] Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports that 60% of professional critics gave the film a positive review, with a rating average of 4.8 out of 10.[4]

Awards and nominations
Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
Golden Globe Awards Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Motion Picture Ashley Judd Nominated [5]
Mira Sorvino Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Special Ashley Judd Nominated [6]
Mira Sorvino Nominated
Outstanding Cinematography for a Miniseries or a Special John Thomas Nominated
Outstanding Hairstyling for a Miniseries or a Special Andre Blaise Nominated
Outstanding Music Composition for a Miniseries or a Special Christopher Young Nominated

References
  1. Archerd, Army (24 May 1996). "Miramax nabs HBO's 'Norma'". Variety. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  2. O'Neal, Sean (November 23, 2011). "Mira Sorvino". The A.V. Club. Retrieved February 24, 2022.
  3. James, Caryn (May 18, 1996). "TELEVISION REVIEW;2 Bodies for the 2 Marilyn Monroes". The New York Times. Retrieved February 24, 2022.
  4. Norma Jean and Marilyn. Rotten Tomatoes. Flixster. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  5. "Norma Jean and Marilyn – Golden Globes". HFPA. Retrieved July 5, 2021.
  6. "Norma Jean and Marilyn". Emmys.com. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
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