My Week With Marilyn (****)

All preconceptions one may have about My Week With Marilyn are proved to be drastically wrong. This is not a film about the life of Marilyn Monroe, this is a film about the making of a film and one man's love of cinema. This has proven to be an interesting year for movies about movies, with Hugo and The Artist both providing more insight into the birth and origins of what we now see as 'films.' Whittled from the story come two of the best performances of the year, from Oscar nominees Michelle Williams and Kenneth Branagh, respectively.

As already stated, the film follows a man named Colin, an eager and well-brought up young man who idolizes the cinema and will do anything to get a job working on a film. He lands the role of '3rd Assistant Director' on Sir Laurence Olivier's production of The Prince and the Showgirl, bringing to Britain the biggest star in the world: Marilyn Monroe. Though she is seen as the greatest sex icon of the time, it is her fragility in front of the camera and fear of failure that helps bring her to a more human level, a level where both Marilyn and Colin find room to bond and form an unlikely relationship.

The beginning titles remind audiences that this film is based on memoirs and is, in fact, a true story. Nevertheless, I couldn't help but find the plot almost unbelievable at times. How much of this film is factual and how much is the fantasies of a young, idealized man in his 20's?

Despite the small flaws, the acting is sensational. Michelle Williams is at her career-best and is guaranteed an Oscar nomination for her devastating performance. At times her uncanny portrayal of Marilyn is indistinguishable from the real footage, but never does it feel like an overly-rehearsed or researched performance. Her acting is a beautiful and delicate process, shedding new light on the Marilyn we have all come to believe we know. The same can be said for Kenneth Branagh, who's flashy performance of Sir Laurence Olivier is perhaps the best in the whole film. He gives the film a spark of drama and lends insight into the world of filmmaking while never overshadowing his other actors. A Supporting Actor nomination could and should be on the way.

The film itself it top quality, with lush photography and an emotional score to back it up. The film is definitely not a masterpiece, nor is it something that I believe is guaranteed to win Williams her first Oscar. The film is, however, one of the most poignant and unique love stories of the year. Definitely not a film that should be missed.

(Awards potential: Best Actress (Williams), Best Supporting Actor (Branagh), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, Best Costume Design, Best Art Direction)