Name: The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2022-04-27T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Anthony Summers, Linzi Hateley, CJ Johnson, Sorel Johnson, Andre Lillis

The opening shot of The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes is a close-up of a reel-to-reel tape recorder, its spools spinning, the sound of static and distant voices filling the air. It’s an evocative image, promising secrets whispered into microphones decades ago, now finally seeing the light of day. Directed by Emma Cooper for Netflix, this documentary centers on the life and untimely death of American actress Marilyn Monroe, told through archival footage and unseen interviews with her inner circle.

The film’s premise is compelling: previously unheard interviews with people who knew Monroe, conducted by author Anthony Summers, offer a fresh perspective on one of Hollywood’s most enduring mysteries. The performances are solid, particularly Shelagh McLeod as Gloria Romanoff, whose emotional delivery adds weight to the recounting of Monroe’s tumultuous life. The use of lip-synced reenactments to match the original audio interviews is an interesting choice, lending a cinematic quality to the proceedings.

However, The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes stumbles in its execution. While it does a commendable job of piecing together Monroe’s life and the circumstances surrounding her death, it often feels like yet another rehash of well-trodden ground. The film fails to shed significant new light on its subject, settling for a familiar narrative that trades depth for sensationalism.

The structure is another point of contention. The documentary jumps between different periods in Monroe’s life and various interviewees without sufficient context or transitions, making it difficult to follow at times. The pacing is uneven, with some segments dragging while others feel rushed.

That said, the film does offer some intriguing insights. The exploration of Monroe’s political entanglements, particularly her alleged affairs with President John F. Kennedy and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The discussion of her mental health struggles and the impact of her troubled childhood is also handled with sensitivity.

Ultimately, The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes is a mixed bag. It’s an engaging watch for fans of Monroe or true crime documentaries, but it doesn’t offer enough new information to justify its existence as a standalone work.