Early in the 2010 film The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, we’re given a quick glimpse into the future of main character Lisbeth Salander. In it, we see that she has changed her name and dyed her hair blonde. This is not unlike what young Norma Jeane Mortenson did in real life before becoming one of the most famous women in the world, Marilyn Monroe. A comparison of Lily Fisher as young Norma Jeane Mortenson to the real Norma Jeane Mortenson
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The history
Lily Fisher is a 16-year-old actress who is playing young Norma Jeane in Netflix’s Blonde and while her take on the iconic character has been universally acclaimed, it begs a comparison with the real girl.
According to Marie Claire, Norma first fell into a swimming pool when she was five years old and began screaming that she couldn’t swim, so her mother placed her head under water until she passed out.
The similarities
Lily Fisher’s performance in blonde netflix has a strong resemblance to the future Marilyn Monroe.
Lily captures her character well. She dresses similarly and is often seen smoking cigarettes with a broad stance, reminiscent of Marilyn’s signature style. In one scene, when portraying young Norma Jeane, she nervously fidgets with her hands as if looking for something familiar or calming.
The look
There are a few obvious differences between how Lily portrays teenage Norma Jeane in blonde netflix and what the historical reality looks like. For one, we never see Marilyn smoke cigarettes (although this could be due to time constraints). Her hair is always more voluminous, her eyebrows are less defined, and her clothes are much more dowdy looking.
The vocals
Lily Fisher, a Canadian actress and model known for her appearances in American Pie Presents: The Book of Love and Amy Schumer’s comedy I Feel Pretty, has become a leading contender for playing Monroe’s formative years. And while she might not have blonde hair like her character on Blonde Netflix, we still think that Lily would make an excellent role model. According to Rolling Stone magazine, this is also not Ms. Fisher’s first time impersonating Monroe.
The essence
Lily Fisher’s performance in The Bad Batch is mesmerizing, her portrayal of a nine-year-old version of actress and model Norma Jeane Mortenson (better known as Marilyn Monroe) gives an intimate look into the soul behind one of Hollywood’s most famous faces. It is hard not to be enamored by Fisher’s performance, with an unnerving gaze and naturally blonde hair – you can’t help but feel like you are looking at a younger Marilyn Monroe.
Separating fact from fiction in Ladies of Hollywood (or L.O.H.)
Many of the scenes are semi-fictionalized and dramatized, but also give us a little bit more insight into what it might have been like for Marilyn and her family. We see her caring for her dad (who is suffering from depression) and find out that she was shipped off to boarding school after an argument with her mother. There’s also a few cute meet-cutes that happen on the streets in Hollywood where she falls in love at first sight before meeting.
Film vs. Reality
At the beginning of Blonde, we are introduced to a fifteen-year-old girl with blonde hair and freckles who is shy and has trouble fitting in at school. There is no indication that this girl might one day become famous. However, by episode five, Blonde begins to fill in some pieces of Marilyn’s story, showing that she was well aware of her blossoming beauty and desired popularity as early as 10 years old.
The author’s conclusion
In conclusion, looking at these images, it’s hard not to wonder what might have been if this woman had been embraced for who she was. Lily Fisher portrays a beautiful and innocent child that shows what could have been if society hadn’t stripped this person of their innocence. One day, we may even be looking back at her like we do Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe with regret.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Norma Jeane Mortenson’s mother?
Norma Jeane Mortenson’s mother, Gladys Monroe Mortensen was also a model and has featured in magazines with her daughter. They were reported by fans and journalists to have had a close relationship. When Monroe was six years old, her father enlisted in the U.S. Army and Gladys moved back in with her parents where she became pregnant again by Charles Stanley Gifford, eventually giving birth to daughter and son James Jimmy Edward Mortensen Jr., who would be Marilyn’s only sibling.
How old was Norma Jeane Mortenson when she moved to Van Nuys?
In 1943, seventeen-year-old Norma Jeane moved to Van Nuys with her mother. The two had been driving across country when the mother passed away. It is said that this was when Norma Jean’s personality began changing. Without any remaining family or friends she relied on small jobs and occasional modeling opportunities for money. In 1946 she met photographer David Conover and after working for him for a year he taught her about how portraits were created with lights.
How old was Norma Jeane Mortenson when she moved in with Goddard?
She was 16 years old. That means she had lost her father when she was just a few months old, and then had spent 11 years living in an orphanage where, for all intents and purposes, she became mom to the other children. She must have been so lonely, so sad and traumatized.