5 August 1962, at age 36, the actress known to the world as Marilyn Monroe, was found dead. More than 50 years have passed & her image is still as prevalent as ever. Various likenesses of her image continues to generate sales for all sorts of items. In a very real sense, she is the ultimate of what the business world calls branding. The items range from those appropriately related to her such as biographies, copies of her films for home viewing, to junque souvenirs that have no connection to her career or her life, to art work that is striking in its tribute to an American Film Star, one whose life is generally considered full of sadness, despite the success and acclaim she received while still living.
Articles have been written that are clear about one thing: She made more money (for others) after her death, in the millions, probably more than most others in the entertainment world, with the possible exception of Elvis Presley. While some items that bear her image trespass into the realm of atrocity, some are nice. As in all beauty, it’s entirely in the eye of the beholder.
In the case of Marilyn Monroe, Andy Warhol’s prediction about 15 Minutes Of Fame did not apply. This image is a serigraph of an original by Andy Warhol. This photograph was taken & shared by Derek Hargrove of Back To The Picture.
Here is a photograph of the same image, taken from the disadvantage of having to look up several feet with a simple point & click camera.
The good news is that the tints came through nicely, but the glare, annoying at it is, does not take away from that very special presence of the subject matter.
One of the finest examples inspired by this Enduring Legacy may be heard, rather than seen as a visual image. That is the song from “BLOOD BROTHERS”Tell Me It’s Not True, splendidly & soulfully rendered by Petula Clark.
Tell me it’s not true,
Though it’s here before me,
Say it’s just a dream,
Say it’s just a scene,
From an old movie of years ago,
From an old movie of Marilyn Monroe,
Read more: The Blood Brothers – Tell Me It’s Not True Lyrics | MetroLyrics
iPad is making use of the icon–The icon of the Church figured heavily as an influence on Andy Warhol in his depiction of those who were not Saints, but had @ least that Precious 15 Minutes of Fame. This shows Marilyn Monroe in context with other images.
Marilyn Monroe, out of context, but more iconic than ever.
THE FILM MY WEEK WITH MARILYN: Shows how much the British culture embraced her…
On the revers of this 2010 vintage it says, “Marilyn Monroe is a trademark of the Estate of Marilyn Monroe LLC.”
Then there is Marilyn Merlot–Crass or Clever?–It’s a Cash Cow & Milking the Estate for every possible nickle. We may never know as the woman who was manufactured to become Marilyn Monroe is not with us to comment. But, sizing up what is known of her life, she seemed to have a desire to be taken seriously. Somewhere along the line, even in death, that have proven elusive. The Green Family laughs all the way to the bank. But the wine is good. Good taste in wine at the expense of appropriate taste in branding has never been a hot issue for those seeking any method at all to keep money coming in. What will be the next posthumous portal of Estate prosperity? Stay tuned.
Thomas Outt 