The much-publicised Netflix original film ‘Blonde‘ premieres worldwide on the platform on September 28, which is tomorrow. Starring Ana De Armas as Marilyn Monroe, the film is a semi-fictional account of the life and times of Hollywood’s blonde bombshell.
‘Blonde’ on Netflix is a no-holds-barred reimagining of the turbulent life — and death — of Norma Jeane, whom the world knew as Marilyn Monroe. Early reviews from the limited theatrical release of Blonde call it a ‘difficult watch’, ‘brutal’, ‘torture porn’ and similarly strong descriptions.
The most interesting thing about Blonde is that it is the first original film from Netflix that has received the strict NC-17 rating from the MPA. Even ‘365 Days’ was rated R on Netflix, on the basis of the nudity and sexual content in the film. However, in the case of Blonde, the film has been certified NC-17 by the Motion Picture Association (MPA). For those who don’t know, NC-17 is the strictest rating that the MPA gives.
So why has ‘Blonde’ received the NC-17 rating?
This information had been kept under strict wraps by the ‘Blonde’ team, and director Andrew Dominik. But ‘Blonde’ is now out in the theatres, and we now know for certain about all the scenes that have earned the Netflix film an NC-17 tag. Read on to find out –
Please note that we at Binged have not watched Blonde. The information given below is collated from parental guides of various sources, including IMDb.
Warning: Spoilers ahead
1. Nudity – Graphic nudity, both full frontal female and male nudity. One visual of erect male genitals. The character of Marilyn Monroe is shown fully nude throughout most of the second act.
2. Sexual content – Explicit sexual content. Several instances of graphic and violent rape sequences. A deeply disturbing sequence of forced oral sex and masturbation. An explicit sequence involving a threesome.
3. Disturbing sequences – Child abuse scenes, where the child is subjected to extreme violence. Violent domestic abuse, hitting, slapping, violent manhandling of the woman.
4. Gore – Close-up shots of an abortion taking place. Brief sequences show images of a vagina and the insides of it as medical implements are inserted into it to conduct the abortion.
‘Blonde’, directed by Andrew Dominik, and adapted from Joyce Carol Oates’ best-selling novel, is an unflinching look at the iconic Hollywood beauty Marylin Monroe’s life. Netflix famously brought in a specialist editor to “curb the excesses of the movie”. Director Andrew Dominik has even forewarned audiences that “There’s something in ‘Blonde’ to offend everyone.” All we can say is that watch it at your own risk.
‘Blonde’ premieres on Netflix worldwide on September 28, 12:30 pm India time.
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