GRADE: B+

When the trailer for this film dropped a month back I could tell it had a great chance of being the type of film I would enjoy. I was sure this drama surrounding one of the original divas would be a lock to keep me entertained. It turns out I was right as My Week With Marilyn hit all the right notes of Marilyn’s difficult life. Yes, she was the most famous woman on the planet, but she battled a life of addiction, dealt with the pressure of keeping up the facade of the perfect blonde woman, struggled to find stable relationships, and worked hard to establish herself as a credible actress. In reality, her story didn’t have a fairytale ending, but her life had so many moments worth watching. This film profiles a week of them.

My Week With Marilyn is based on the journal of Colin Clark, played by Eddie Redmayne, looking to break into Hollywood. He ends up getting a job as the third director in the production of The Prince and the Showgirl, the latest film to star Marilyn Monroe. He ends up becoming close to her while working on set acting as the intermediary between the difficult actress and the egotistical director played by Kenneth Branagh. Colin almost acts as a temporary shoulder for her to cry on amidst all her mounting problems.

The relationship between Colin and Marilyn grows as she latches onto her new pet. She revels in the freshness of their relationship. This is a road traveled many times before — people close to Marilyn warn Colin that she will push him aside once her new boy toy fascination wears off. Poor Colin. We all know he is destined to fall head over heels and get his heart broken.

The film does a wonderful job establishing the cast of characters and their relationships with one another. The focal point of the story is obviously Marilyn, and her insecurities and troubled mind are on the forefront. Michelle Williams had a tall order of trying to pull off someone as famous as Monroe. Her portrayal of Monroe was magnificent and I barely even recognized Williams hidden underneath the Marilyn Monroe exterior.

Overall, My Week With Marilyn will knock any fan of the blonde bombshell off their feet. The production is excellent, the acting performances are memorable — especially Williams and Branagh –and the drama is palpable. It is well worth the view for anyone intrigued by the trailer. Surely a must see for any fan of Monroe.

What Should You Do? Definitely make time to see this, whether in the theaters or on home video.

Follow Matthew on Twitter: @matthewdeery