The upcoming Marilyn Monroe movie is intentionally trying to be controversial and to make its viewers feel uncomfortable, according to star Ana de Armas. Speaking to Empire, de Armas said director Andrew Dominik "did not compromise" on his vision, "not once."
The film, which is based on the novel of the same name and is Netflix's first NC-17 original movie, blurs the line between fact and fiction. It is not a traditional biopic. de Armas said, "It's a film that is supposed to create controversy and discomfort."
The movie features a vaginal POV shot and scenes depicting conversations with a fetus. There is also a scene involving sexual assault by a studio boss. "It's supposed to make you think about what happened--and what is still happening," de Armas said. "It's revolutionary, and I think it's so brave."
Its controversial content doesn't aim to be gratuitous, de Armas said. "It always came from great respect [for] and understanding of that trauma," she said. "Despite the NC-17 rating, I never felt that there was anything exploitative. This movie is meant to be an experience, to move along with her feelings, what she's going through. And that, unfortunately, takes what it takes."
"Whether we were shooting an abortion scene, dealing with abuse, nudity, happy sex, unhappy sex, it is so important to show the reality of it," she said.
Before this, Dominik said Blonde aims to "offend everyone" who sees it. Viewers can decide for themselves when Blonde comes to Netflix on September 23.
In other news, new Blonde images have been released that show de Armas and co-stars Bobby Cannavale as Joe DiMaggio and Adrien Brody as Monroe's husband, the playwright Arthur Miller.
In addition to Blonde, de Armas will play the lead role in the John Wick spinoff, Ballerina. She also recently discussed the future of the James Bond series, saying Bond should not be played by a woman.