Notorious (2009) Review in 2025
Notorious is a biographical drama film that tells the story of American singer and actress Marilyn Monroe, focusing on her tumultuous relationship with baseball legend Joe DiMaggio and playwright Arthur Miller.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to mature themes and some explicit content.
CineReview Recommendation
Notorious is a must-watch for fans of Marilyn Monroe and classic Hollywood. It's a well-crafted biographical drama that provides a nuanced portrayal of Marilyn's life and struggles. However, it's not suitable for young children due to mature themes and some explicit content.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film explores the complexities of Marilyn's life, revealing the struggles she faced with mental health, relationships, and fame. It also delves into her romance with Joe DiMaggio, which ultimately ended in tragedy, and her marriage to Arthur Miller, which was marked by infidelity and unhappiness.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and well-researched, providing a nuanced portrayal of Marilyn Monroe's life and struggles. However, it feels a bit rushed at times, and some plot points could have been explored further.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Ingrid Bergman delivering a standout performance as Marilyn Monroe. The supporting cast is also excellent, bringing depth and nuance to their roles.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Marilyn Monroe being the standout. The actors bring depth and nuance to their roles, making it easy to become invested in their stories.
direction7.50/10
The direction is solid, with some effective use of camera angles and lighting. However, the pacing could have been tighter, and some scenes feel a bit disjointed.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is beautiful, capturing the glamour and sophistication of 1950s Hollywood. The use of color and lighting is particularly noteworthy, adding to the overall mood and atmosphere of the film.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Engaging story, well-developed characters, beautiful cinematography, and superb acting.
Cons
Pacing could have been tighter, some plot points feel a bit rushed, and some scenes feel disjointed.
Notable Quotes
"I want to be a star. I want to be a legend."
"I'm not a movie star. I'm a woman who gets paid for acting."
