A different take

on Marilyn Monroe

PostED ON 23.10.2022

The Lumière Film Festival is hosting the exhibit, ‘Marilyn Monroe 1962’. A closer look at three emblematic photos.

It is perhaps a cliché to remind you that Marilyn Monroe was well, photogenic. And yet, the exhibition dedicated to the star since the opening of the festival is not merely an ode to her timeless beauty… In 60 photographs, we discover a woman at work, an actress entirely devoted to her art and happy to be involved, contrary to the commonly held idea that she was a redeemed victim of a voracious and cruel Hollywood industry.

These images are from the collection of Sébastien Cauchon, who has admired Marilyn since childhood and to whom he has already devoted part of his life. He had previously published a book on the object of his fascination, ‘Marilyn 1962’ (Stock), which allowed him to meet some of the star's contemporaries and led him to purchase the rights to these photographs. Releasing them to the public today means giving back to Marilyn what was undoubtedly ‘stolen’ from her, and somewhat adjusting the image that most people had of her. Monroe is more alive than ever, sixty years after her death. Sébastien Cauchon interprets three of the photographs for us.

C.G.

May 1962

Marilyn Monroe and George Cukor on the set of ‘Something's Got to Give’. "Cukor had already directed her in ‘Let’s Make Love’ two years prior. This picture is one of my favourites, although it is not very flattering, taken on the set of a movie that Marilyn would never finish… She would be found dead shortly afterwards. It is however a reflection of an attentive actress at work. We tend to forget that she was an outstanding actress with an impressive work ethic, shooting 30 films in 16 years. Here, you can sense her concentration and the slightly tense relationship she had with the director." 

©  Collection Sébastien Cauchon

1955

New York. "A group of four boys and two girls, nicknamed the Monroe Six, spent their days amiably following their idol. She became friends with the members, who would regularly come to show her their pictures. This one, although not professionally lit, is a testament to her natural photogenic abilities. The man who took the photo, James Collins, one of the 'Six', is still alive.” 

©  James Collins / Collection Sébastien Cauchon

February 9, 1956

Press conference, Plaza Hotel, New York: "Subject to the unbridled frenzy of eager photographers after a strap of her dress snaps during a meeting with the press, Marilyn had come to announce her next film (‘The Prince and the Showgirl’) on behalf of the production company she had just created, in order to free herself from Fox. Laurence Olivier is there; he will direct the movie and play Marilyn's co-star. But the importance given by the press to this capricious slip - accident or deliberate act - will somewhat overshadow the announcement of the project. Laurence Olivier will take offence and it will greatly complicate their relationship on set".

©  Collection Sébastien Cauchon

EXHIBITION

Marilyn Monroe 1962
Until December 11, 2022

Cinema Gallery 1
20 rue du Premier-Film,
Lyon 8^th (metro : Lumière-Monplaisir)

Opening hours:
•  Today from 10am to 8pm
•  From tomorrow, Tuesday through Sunday, 11am to 7pm