Dakota Johnson has undergone a dramatic transformation to portray Marilyn Monroe in Maggie Gyllenhaal's upcoming short film, "Flesh Impact." A newly released set photo offers the first glimpse of Johnson embodying the legendary Hollywood star.
The 17-minute film, which is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September, reimagines Monroe beyond her public persona. Instead of a traditional biopic, "Flesh Impact" explores the woman behind the icon, blending reality and imagination to examine her identity and legacy. Johnson portrays Monroe at age 36, the age of her death in 1962, while veteran actress Ellen Burstyn plays a fictionalized older version of the star.
Gyllenhaal, who also wrote and directed the film, initially expressed doubts about Johnson's suitability for the role, questioning if she looked enough like Monroe. However, she later dismissed these concerns, stating in an interview with Vanity Fair that the public's perception of Monroe is already blurred due to her commodification and mythologization.
"Flesh Impact" is part of a project celebrating Monroe's centennial. Gyllenhaal described the film as a way to showcase the timeless icon through a modern lens that reclaims her story. The project aims to honor Monroe by exploring her life and experiences as an actress beyond her enduring public image.
