Marilyn Monroe

This book is more than simply a biography of Marilyn Monroe: it analyzes the ways in which her life was interwoven with the images that were constructed of her and the myths that were spun around her. The book's claim to originality lies in its attempt to analyze in a serious way her life, her films and her relation to modern culture. Drawing on critical theory, feminism and film studies, the author re-examines the life and representations of Marilyn Monroe, from her first studio appearance in 1947 to her last tragic performance in "The Misfits". He analyzes the writings of the (mostly male) biographers who, he argues, represent Monroe as other than she was or wanted to be. He thus brings another Marilyn Monroe to light: he shows how this perceptive, intelligent and sensitive person was denied her own image. This book should appeal to a wide audience, and be used on courses in film and cultural studies. It amounts to an analysis of the sexual politics and cultural mythology of our time. It is intended for a general readership interested in Marilyn Monroe, film and contemporary culture, as well as students and academics in media and cultural studies, sociology and social theory.