Marilyn Monroe, one of the most
recognizable figures in American culture, epitomizes the life of a movie star.
Beautiful, talented, young, married to a famous sports figure, rich, everything she could
possilby want. However, when we look more closely we also find that Marilyn,
formally Norma Jeane Mortenson, was unsure, self-destructive, and had a disabling drug and
alcohol problem. There was a hidden side to Marilyn. Her stardom could not make her
happy, she was depressed, and eventually she died in an apparent overdose on August 5,
1962.
This story is firmly imbedded in the framework of American society.
Very few Americans are unaware of Marilyn Monroe, though many of the younger
generation tend to label her as a Madonna look-alike. She is still the epitome of
feminine apeal. Her image is sold on post-cards and posters, her movies still sell,
her image is seen on television. Her success and untimely death are still analyzed
and discussed by fans and members of the Hollywood community. Marilyn seems to
exemplify the wonder and tragedy of Hollywood and the entertainment buisness. She
had experienced the peak of fame. She was adored by millions, including a President
of the United States, and yet she was not happy. Growing older and more depressed,
she finally played out that unhappy ending that has become the norm for so many of our
idols. Lost at such a young age, she became a legend. What would she have done
if she had lived?
This seems to be a major factor in the entertainment industry. The
individuals who are remembered the most, and are revered in hundreds of fan clubs and web
pages dedicated to their honor, are the tragic hereos and heroines who loose their lives
in Hollywood. Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, James Dean all taken when they were
relatively young. They did not have the oppurtunity to bow out gracefully.
They were ripped from our midst and society mourns them all the more. This is the
same scenario played out with the John F. Kennedy assisignation. What would he had
done if he had lived? Would he still recieve the same hero worship if he had lost
the next election?
Many individuals in entertainment, such as Marilyn Monroe, seem to be
elevated to a different level due to their untimely deaths. While their
contributions to movies or music cannot be denied, their lasting presence has much to do
with that last image. A young, talented performer gone forever. There are no
interviews with an elderly woman looking back on her life. There is no closure.
This is a major part of the influence of Marilyn Monroe.
