Dakota Johnson has undergone a dramatic transformation to portray Marilyn Monroe in "Flesh Impact," an upcoming short film written and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal. The 17-minute project, described as a "love letter" to the iconic actress, will premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September.
Johnson, 36, stars as Monroe "at the height of her fame," while veteran actress Ellen Burstyn, 93, plays a "version of Marilyn the world never had a chance to see." A first-look photo reveals Johnson sporting a platinum blonde wig and a classic makeup look, embodying the late Hollywood star. "Flesh Impact" is presented by automotive brand Genesis and has received the approval of the Marilyn Monroe estate.
"I've always been fascinated by Marilyn Monroe," Gyllenhaal stated. "So, when Genesis first came to me with the idea of a celebratory project for her centennial, I knew I wanted to work together on bringing this story to life." Gyllenhaal added that the film aims to "showcase the timeless icon we know and love through a modern lens that reclaims her story."
The film's premise centers on a mysterious older woman auditioning for a play in a New York City blackbox theater. As she details her qualifications and acting experience, secrets about her identity and the misconceptions surrounding her life begin to emerge.
Gyllenhaal acknowledged initial concerns about Johnson's resemblance to Monroe but ultimately dismissed them. "I don't know that anyone even really totally knows what Marilyn looks like because she's been so commodified and made into this myth and she's very blurry in my mind," Gyllenhaal said in an interview with Vanity Fair. She described "Flesh Impact" as "a mixture of Marilyn and my fantasy of her," exploring themes of acting and the vulnerable yet powerful nature of the profession.
Johnson, daughter of actors Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, is known for her roles in the "Fifty Shades of Grey" franchise, "Materialists," and "Madame Web." She previously collaborated with Gyllenhaal on the 2021 drama "The Lost Daughter."
Burstyn, an Academy Award winner for her role in Martin Scorsese's "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," has a prolific career including roles in "The Exorcist," "Requiem For A Dream," and "Interstellar." She will also be honored with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the upcoming Venice Film Festival.
Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, became a cultural icon for her roles in films such as "Niagara" (1953), "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953), "The Seven Year Itch" (1955), and "Some Like It Hot" (1959). She died on August 4, 1962, at the age of 36, with her death ruled a probable suicide.
Other actresses who have portrayed Monroe on screen include Michelle Williams, Ana de Armas in "Blonde" (2022), and Mira Sorvino.