Why there's been a backlash to Netflix's Marilyn Monroe biopic

Netflix's long-awaited Marilyn Monroe biopic Blonde has been at the centre of controversy almost as soon as the film was confirmed. And now, after the project's rating has been announced a fresh set of complaints have arisen about the upcoming Netflix film. Here's everything we know about the recent backlash to Blonde.

The film, which will give a fictionalised account of the life of iconic blonde actor Marilyn Monroe (played by No Time to Die star Ana de Armas), is the latest biopic in a growing genre for the streamer, following on from the success of other projects like Rocketman, Bohemian Rhapsody and Spencer. However, since the film was confirmed Blonde has been met with controversy, the latest of which is down to the NC-17 (one above an R-rating) rating given to the movie.

The backlash began last summer when rumours of a NC-17 rating began circulating, and at the time director Andrew Dominik called the speculation "a bunch of horses**t." Now, month later Dominik himself has confirmed that the project will receive the high rating, and in a recent interview the director spoke of the criticism facing the film.

"It's a demanding movie," Dominik told Screen Daily. "If the audience doesn't like it, that's the f***ing audience's problem. It’s not running for public office."

He also added that it was his preference that the film receive a high rating, despite public push back; "It's an NC-17 movie about Marilyn Monroe, it's kind of what you want, right? I want to go and see the NC-17 version of the Marilyn Monroe story."

After filming in 2019 Dominik explained that the film is finally complete after Netflix brought on renowned editor Jennifer Lame (Tenet, Marriage Story) to help "curb the excesses of the movie."

However fans were not impressed by Dominik's latest comments over the film's rating, with many of the taking to Twitter to express their views on Blonde.

"but he's making film for people, not himself. shouldn't he be more concerned about whether audience will like it or not," one fan wrote, while another commented, "Mmmm I hope they don't use that as an escape for lack of good story or story at all. She was a great, person and actress, she was no saint but there still needs to be a sense of decency, IMP."

Blonde is set to air on Netflix later this year.

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