Thursday, January 14, 2010

Wendy's Films of 2010 #15: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

People often think of Marilyn Monroe when someone mentions this film, but I must say that Jane Russell gives a much stronger performance overall. She isn't the blonde of course, but the title confuses me somewhat as the focus seems to be on the both of them rather Monroe alone. Later in the film, Russell's Dorothy Shaw so wonderfully mimics Monroe's Lorelei Lee that I didn't even realize at first it wasn't Lorelei on the screen. She takes the objectification of women and turns it on the head by displaying herself as keen, witty and strong, not afraid to give her opinion or admire a whole male Olympic team.
That said, Monroe is delightful and the two of them make the perfect mix of spicy and sweet, their dance numbers are entertaining and their costumes are gorgeous. This is one I'd recommend to any person looking for a bit of 1950s musical fun.

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