see fine pictures: marilyn monroe

the writer's almanac informed its devoted readership that today is the birthday of marilyn monroe (who never really vaults to mind when i think of my favorite actresses, but stars winningly in films that i really enjoy--how to marry a millionaire, all about eve, the seven-year itch, and especially niagara. if you've only been exposed to small clips or photographs, it would seem easy to decry her talent. can that breathy, overdrawn style really work? surprisingly, yes. can you forget, for the duration of a film that you're watching marilyn monroe? mmmm....maybe not, but maybe that's because you're thinking, hey, this marilyn monroe? she's pretty good).

twa is commemorating what would be her 84th birthday with this literary note: she was the subject of more than 300 biographies, and inspired significant works of fiction, including joyce carol oates' blonde, which was a finalist for a national book award in 2000. (the film version of blonde is in development, with naomi watts slated to play ms. monroe).

other folks are marking the occasion by unveiling this photo, which strikes me as a titanic non-event. is this photo proof of an affair? (and really--do people still need it?) is it even a great photo? i see her fabulous figure in a fabulous dress--and lots of hair and ears. yet, appraisers expect someone will pay $23K for this "very significant piece of american and celebrity history, and fine art photography." which just sounds like a whole lotta monkey business to me.

i prefer these shots, with ms. monroe looking casually glam, her soulful eyes looking bright.

all images courtesy of doctor macro.