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My Week with Marilyn

By Bob on March 15, 2012 5:43 AM

Marilyn Monroe is arguably one of the most iconic figures of the 20th Century. Director Simon Curtis', My Week with Marilyn, pulls back the curtain on the Hollywood legend to reveal the Marilyn known only to her inner circle. It's a captivating behind-the-scenes story told with humor and heart that keeps your eyes glued to the screen until the credits roll.

Meet Colin Clarke (Eddie Redmayne) a wide-eyed innocent just dying to break into the motion picture business. He uses his family connections to land a gopher gig on Sir Laurence Olivier's, The Prince and the Showgirl, starring Marilyn Monroe. 

 

Colin is an eager beaver who'll do anything on the production - he just wants to be "in" the movies. Sir Laurence (terrific performance by Kenneth Branagh) has him running errands and soon he's running interference for the always-tardy Monroe (Michelle Williams in an Oscar-nominated performance).

 

As their relationship moves forward, Monroe's dramatic skills aren't the only thing on display. Her raging insecurity, cult-like devotion to "Method" acting and addiction to sleeping pills take center stage during the filming schedule. Soon, Colin becomes the "Marilyn Whisperer". He's the only person on set who can get her to work on time. It's a skill that lands him ever closer to the ditzy diva and provides a level of celebrity for him as well.

 

When the pressures of fame prove too much for the tortured temptress, Colin gets the chance to show her what life's like beyond the bright lights. During a day spent playing hooky, Marilyn lets her hair down and reveals once and for all that a human heart beats inside the Hollywood persona.    

 

Michelle Williams captures Monroe like a beautiful butterfly in gossamer net. It's a cliché to say she "becomes" Marilyn, but she DOES. Her portrayal is delicate almost to the point of being invisible. You may have to remind yourself that this really is a movie ABOUT Marilyn Monroe, not archival footage of the REAL Monroe. She's. Just. That. Good.

 

Director Curtis wraps the week with Marilyn with an unassuming ending that's satisfying and very un-Hollywood. It's a tight 99 minutes with snappy dialog, stunning cinematography and a terrific supporting cast featuring Dame Judi Dench, Emma Watson and Julia Ormond.

 

My Week with Marilyn offers a glimpse of the woman who was Marilyn Monroe. It's a revealing, romantic story, which - like the actress herself - leaves you wanting more and ends way too soon.
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Diabetes-Friendly Chicken Burrito Bowl

ChickenBurritoBowlEverydayDiabetes 600.jpg

By Laura Cipullo and Lisa Mikus, authors of Everyday Diabetes Meals
Image credit: Colin Erricson

Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.

Tips:

If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.

If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.

Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.

Continue Reading »

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Windy City

It's been almost 18 years since Alison Krauss gave us a solo album, but the wait is over with Windy City. The release (her fifth solo studio album) features ten covers of classic songs (and some bonus tracks) she picked with producer Buddy Cannon.

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