‘My Week With Marilyn’ Wows Audiences at AFI FEST 2011

All the stars aligned for the gala screening of “My Week With Marilyn” at AFI FEST 2011 presented by Audi Sunday, November 6. Being a movie about Marilyn Monroe, it’s only fitting that the film would screen at the historic Hollywood Chinese Theatre to packed audiences and be presented by stars, director, studio head, and one world-class pianist. It had the atmosphere of a show within a show depicting one of Hollywood’s most famous icons in Monroe, portrayed by the luminous Michelle Williams.

Studio chief/executive producer Harvey Weinstein proudly presented Williams, who is already receiving critical acclaim for her performance from festival circuit screenings. Weinstein then gave audiences another treat when he presented famed concert pianist Lang Lang to perform “Marilyn’s Theme,” written by Alexandre Desplat in conjunction with orchestrator and composer Conrad Pope. After the beautiful theme concluded, Lang Lang was whisked off to Disney Hall, where he happened to be performing that very same night.

After breaking down the stage and grand piano, Weinstein returned to present director Simon Curtis (“Cranford”) and co-stars Julia Ormond, Dominic Cooper, and composer Conrad Pope. Curtis professed that Sunday night’s screening was the stuff that dreams were made of in presenting his film at the Chinese Theatre at the AFI FEST. He also thanked Colin Clark for writing the diaries the film is based upon, “The Prince, the Showgirl and Me” and “My Week With Marilyn.”

“My Week With Marilyn” tells of Marilyn Monroe’s first trip to England with her new husband, playwright Arthur Miller (Dougray Scott), to shoot the film “The Prince and Showgirl,” directed by and co-starring Sir Laurence Olivier (Kenneth Branagh). Third assistant director to Olivier Colin Clark (Eddie Redmayne) wins his first job on this spectacular set and soon becomes confidante to Monroe, as well as other key actors and actresses. For Clark, a lowly third AD, this creates complications on set as well as in his personal life.

“My Week With Marilyn” is both a comic and poignant film about those larger than life characters bringing a movie narrative to life. Rounding out the brilliant cast are Dame Judi Dench, Zoe Wanamaker, Emma Watson, Toby Jones, and Derek Jacobi. Yet the film belongs to Williams with her stunning performance as Monroe, a Hollywood icon full of insecurities. Look for Williams to be on Hollywood’s short list come Oscar time.

“My Week With Marilyn” is 99 minutes and Rated R. It opens November 23.

For more film articles by Lori Huck, check out:

Energetic ‘Haywire’ Enjoys Secret Screening at AFI FEST 2011

‘Being Elmo’ Review: An Amazing Journey with Elmo’s Master

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