Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Imperishible like a diamond, sharp, stunning, priceless. The rough and tough Howard Hawks knew how to establish contact with his feminine side and when he did, wonderful things took place. "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" is a perfect example of that. One of the rarest. The women, as made abundantly clear by Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell, are divided in two very specific categories: blonds and brunettes. The blonds are always trying to find new places where to wear diamonds, the brunettes may fall for the wrong guy just because love gets in the way. The men are old rich predators, sneaky pros or children, no matter how old. The film goes by at an incredible pace and you can't help but surrender to the charm, the beauty and the knowing innocence of this masterpiece.

Trailer—Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

I think some people are too harsh on this movie. No, it doesn't saying anything revelatory about the human condition but that's not its intent. It is very good escapist fare. Monroe and Russell keep us enthralled with their glamor, song and dance numbers, and the occasional sharp one-liner. The plot is perfunctory. While Monroe is obviously the one most associated with the film in the public's consciousness, I personally think Russell is just as good if not better (I'm not saying that because I'm a brunet as well!) A question many Monroe fans ask is whether at this point onward in her career Monroe was playing Lorelei or whether in real life she 'was' Lorelei? Whatever the case, I recommend this movie if one is in the mood for glitzy glamorous Hollywood spectacle, 7/10.

Imperishible like a diamond, sharp, stunning, priceless. The rough and tough Howard Hawks knew how to establish contact with his feminine side and when he did, wonderful things took place. "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" is a perfect example of that. One of the rarest. The women, as made abundantly clear by Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell, are divided in two very specific categories: blonds and brunettes. The blonds are always trying to find new places where to wear diamonds, the brunettes may fall for the wrong guy just because love gets in the way. The men are old rich predators, sneaky pros or children, no matter how old. The film goes by at an incredible pace and you can't help but surrender to the charm, the beauty and the knowing innocence of this masterpiece.

As a demonstration of Hawks' versatility, this picture stands out. It's anything but a faithful adaptation of the Anita Loos story, but in Hawks skilled hands, it's as delightful and silly as his best screwball comedies, and an evocative example of the sexpot exploitation prominent in it's day. Monroe and Russell complement each other nicely as glamour babes beyond belief. The flamboyant musical numbers are deliriously fetishistic and there are some particularly hilarious bits involving a hoarse-voiced little boy and a dirty old man. Sensationally staged and provocatively primitive.

Well, what can I say? I thoroughly enjoyed this. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes may be fluff, but my goodness, it is enjoyable fluff. The men may be underused, and the third act is rather flat and contrived. However, the whole film is superbly photographed, with some eye popping costumes. The music is wonderful too, Diamonds are a Girl's best friend is iconic and for a reason but every other song is well done too. The choreography is also sprightly and enjoyable, while the script is snappy and witty and the story well-structured. The pace rarely lags either, and Howard Hawk's direction is excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed the performances of the two leads. Jane Russell is a great match, but it is Marilyn Monroe's movie. Classy, beautiful and entrancing, she really gives it her all and gives a superb performance in the process. All in all, thoroughly enjoyable and worth watching for Monroe alone. 8/10 Bethany Cox