March 14, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES I & III • Page 21 ‘My Week with Marilyn’ heads list of new DVD releases by Dennis Seuling “My Week with Marilyn” (Anchor Bay) is based on Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 trip to London to film “The Prince and the Showgirl,” co-starring and directed by Laurence Olivier (Kenneth Branagh). Twenty-three-year-old Colin Clark (Eddie Redmayne) worked on that movie as a production assistant, and Monroe (Michelle Williams) was on honeymoon with her new husband, playwright Arthur Miller (Dougray Scott). Forty years later, Clark’s diary account of that period was published, but one week was missing. Clark’s account of the omitted days was published some years later as “My Week with Marilyn.” This is cinematic version of that story. Both Olivier and Monroe are at crossroads in their careers. Olivier senses that the new realism sweeping the British stage is passing him by and hopes a hot co-star will generate big box office receipts. Monroe, under the tutelage of acting coach Paula Strasberg, longs for the respect she believes will come from being in a movie with revered British theater royalty. The cast is superb from top to bottom. Williams does an impressive impersonation of Monroe, duplicating -- but not overdoing -- the famous actress’ breathy manner of speaking. The wigs, 1950s-style makeup and body-enhancing fashions aid in the transformation. Unfortunately, the screenplay doesn’t live up to the hard work of the actors, impeccable period production design, and recreation of some of Monroe’s more famous moments on film. The scenes between Williams and Redmayne are especially effective. Away from the pressure of movie making and the constant scrutiny of the press, Monroe can relax and be herself, not the popular image of “Marilyn Monroe” she has fostered. Redmayne’s Colin is a welcome change from Hollywood types who center their lives on making movies at the expense of everyday pleasures like seeing the sights and enjoying the weather. Branagh captures the arrogance, frustration, and insecurity of Olivier, who must contend with his leading lady’s lateness, unpreparedness, and lack of focus on the set. Bonus features include “The Untold Story of an American Icon” featurette and feature commentary with director Simon Curtis. The film is available on DVD and as a (continued on Crossword page) Newlyweds Arthur Miller (Dougray Scott) and Marilyn Monroe (Michelle Williams) are in London for the filming of a movie in ‘My Week with Marilyn.’