Marilyn Monroe [Paperback]

Carl E. Rollyson Jr. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 22, 1993

In American popular culture Marilyn Monroe has evolved in stature from Hollywood sex symbol to tragic legend. Most books about Monroe stress the sensational events that surrounded her-this book is the first to deal honestly and critically with Monroe as an actress, evaluating her moves as crucial forces in the shaping of her identity. Through careful examination of her performances, from her small appearances in The Asphalt Jungle and All About Eve to her memorable roles in Bus Stop, Some Like It Hot, and the The Misfits, the author traces her development from cover girl innocent to an actress devoted to her craft. Based on extensive interviews with many of Monroe's colleagues, close friends, and mentors, this comprehensive, critically balanced study describes her use of Method acting as well as her instruction with Michael Chekhov and, later, the Strasbergs. Carl Rollyson has written a refreshing analysis and appreciation of Marilyn Monroe's enduring and, until now, underestimated gifts as a creative artist.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This critical appreciation of Monroe the actress spans her early years as a cover girl and her later work as a Method actress.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Rollyson's book has been praised by Maurice Zolotow, Fred Lawrence Guiles, and others who have already published books on Monroe. Rollyson acknowledges these books but says that "none of them treats movies as events in the biography of a working actress, events that might fill in the gaps in her identity." While he does concentrate more than other authors on Monroe's acting methods, Rollyson too often writes in purple prose, e.g., "She is a figure of shadow and light, a delicately poised dark impenetrable body, more nearly a part of the photographic medium than she had ever been before. . . ." Much of the book is straightforward biography, which is better handled by Anthony Summers in Goddess ( LJ 9/15/85). An earnest but nonessential addition to the many Monroe books. John Smothers, Monmouth Cty. Lib., Freehold, N.J.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 270 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (August 22, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306805421
• ISBN-13: 978-0306805424
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,029,628 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The only biography to carefully assess Monroe's acting., February 19, 1998

By 

Carl Rollyson (Cape May Court House, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Marilyn Monroe (Paperback)

I wrote this biography at a time when no biography had shown how Monroe approached her screen roles. I developed a vocabulary for assessing her acting, particularly her major roles from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes to The Misfits. Much new information has been uncovered since I wrote my book, but I don't think any writer has surpassed my treatment of her life as an actress.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Marilyn Monroe: A Life of the Actress, December 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Marilyn Monroe: A Life of the Actress (Studies in cinema) (Paperback)

As mentioned by the author, there have been a significant number books that have been written about the acting performances of Miss Monroe; however, Mr. Rollyson's book is written in depth and with candor regarding her method of study and acting. I found that there was a thorough analysis of her films, not just a brief overview. This is one book that should be found in every Monroe afficionado's library, especially those who are truly interested in her acting style and method. A very interesting and enjoyable read.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A novice kind of book; MM as an actress. BRAVO! ENOCRE Mr. Rollyson!, February 26, 2007

By 

Marilyn Mercury (Movie Land) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Marilyn Monroe (Paperback)

there is not much i can say about this book, that seems to be the case when something is of high excellence. this book explains mm's methods of acting, and how she'd prepare for her roles. it also does so while giving info where she was in her life. so that makes it unboring. i couldn't put the book down. i read it and i am going to read it again. as an aspiring actress, it has become my bible, so to speak. the author has obviously researched extremely and he is commended. it is written very intelligently and concise. i think this is an excellent book for someone who wants to mimic MM like an impersonator. i also liked the texture of the book and paper. it seems different.lol. mr. rollyson wrote a review (hi!!) saying there has been more info since his writing of this book. i hope he writes another one, a 2nd one. i will be the first to buy it! thank you for your excellent, helpful book. (i knew, like 99% of the world, that there was something extremely special and unique about MM's acting and you have described about it) :- )