Blonde is the latest addition to the ever-growing library of Netflix - and has left viewers divided due to its representation of Norma Jeane aka Marilyn Monroe.
The new feature-film directed by Andrew Dominik looks at Monroe's turbulent life, rise to stardom, and subsequent fall - ending ultimately in her death, aged just 36, in 1962.
And while starring actress Ana De Armas has had her praises sung from the rafters with regards to her performance, it's a polar opposite state of affairs for Dominik, and the graphic scenes of sexual abuse he decided to fill the movie with.
Amid all of the controversy surrounding the 2 hour and 46 minute silver-screener, we thought we would take a look into the storyline itself and clear up whether it's a true state of affairs or a 'fabricated exploitation' that some are branding it.
Is Blonde a real story?
First and foremost, it's worth noting that Dominik's latest movie is based entirely on a book of fiction sharing the same name, written by author Joyce Carol Oates and published in 1999. Although it's described as a 'biographical account' of Monroe's life, it doesn't necessarily stick to the facts.
Oates has even described the work as a "radically distilled life in the form of fiction" in the Author's Note of the book itself.
This warp in truth has in-turn lead to many viewers complaining online after watching Blonde on Netflix, with one calling it 'The exploitation, fabricated stories, and false recalling of a woman who cannot defend herself'.
What's made up about Monroe in Blonde?
One of the most criticised scenes of the whole saga shows former president of the United States John F. Kennedy sexually assaulting Monroe. Although Marilyn and Kennedy had some sort of relationship with one another, with the model famously singing happy birthday to the president in 1962, there is no evidence that the two were ever sexually involved.
Furthermore, there are also no claims nor records of JFK ever sexually assaulting Monroe.
The movie also depicts Monroe as part of a 'throuple' (three-way couple) with Charlie Chaplin Jr. and Edward G. Robinson Jr, although there is also no evidence to back this up. Chaplin Jr did however confirm in an autobiography in 1960 that he had an affair with the model.
Blonde is now available to watch on Netflix.
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