Blonde's Most Disturbing NC-17 Scene Will Have Presidential Historians Seeing Red
When one crafts a biopic based on a famous celebrity, and the movie receives an NC-17 rating, you know it is going to create at least some controversy — if not a full-blown panic. When the subject of said biopic happens to be an icon of Marilyn Monroe's level, this goes double ... and then some.
Netflix's "Blonde" tells a harrowing tale inspired by the tumultuous life of Monroe (Ana de Armas), and casts a special focus on how all of the trauma, failures, successes, and intense pressure of celebrity life can affect the human being inside the gilded veneer of myth. The thing is, while it's very true that some people want nothing more than to be famous, others may come to rue such a bright spotlight. Since "Blonde," adapted from the novel by Joyce Carol Oates, draws inspiration from Monroe's life and is rated NC-17, it stands to reason that there might be a few historical figures in the mix that are presented in ... well, let's just say less than flattering light.
Speaking with Empire, Armas shared some of her strong opinions on "Blonde's" NC-17 rating. "It's a film that is supposed to create controversy and discomfort, and it's supposed to make you think about what happened — and what is still happening," She said. "It's revolutionary, and I think it's so brave."
The actor also pointed out that despite the rating, she doesn't consider the movie's content particularly gratuitous. "Despite the NC-17 rating, I never felt that there was anything exploitative," she noted. "This movie is meant to be an experience, to move along with her feelings, what she's going through. And that, unfortunately, takes what it takes."
However, it looks like there's one particularly gut-wrenching scene that's harrowing and deeply uncomfortable for both viewers and history aficionados.
The movie implies that a president sexually assaulted the famous actress
According to The Daily Beast, there is one particular scene in "Blonde" that focuses on both Marilyn Monroe and John F. Kennedy (Caspar Phillipson). The moment starts off with Monroe being picked up by secret service agents from an airplane in New York City, who drag the actress through a hotel and present her to Kennedy. At this point, Kennedy sexually assaults Monroe multiple times before the screen cuts to black. It is implied that Kennedy has absolutely violated Monroe, which is absolutely disgusting in its own right. For presidential historians, however, they make take exception to how the way the relationship has been presented.
It has long been rumored that the real-life Kennedy and Monroe had some kind of relationship. In an interview with People, long-time Frank Sinatra friend Tony Oppedisano said of the interaction between Kennedy and Monroe, "It was obviously a sexual thing, and I would expect that there were feelings on her side. Just taking a look at the footage of her singing her 'Happy Birthday,' that speaks for itself." He added, "She respected him; she admired him. She loved what he was doing with the country, and then to have a physical relationship with him, she found him attractive and vice versa."
Considering this second-hand account and the above description of the scene, it would make sense why historians will take fault with the presentation presented in "Blonde." Some may believe that the alleged relationship between Monroe and Kennedy was ill-advised, but at least amiable to some extent. "Blonde," however, paints an entirely different picture, and one where Monroe is a complete and total victim.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).