Watch Goodbye, Norma Jean

Goodbye, Norma Jean is a 1976 biographical drama film that tells the story of Marilyn Monroe, one of the most famous actresses and sex symbols of the 20th century. The movie is directed by Larry Buchanan, and stars Misty Rowe as Marilyn Monroe, Terence Locke as Joe DiMaggio, and Patch Mackenzie as Norma Jean's best friend, Harriet. The film is set in the 1940s and 1950s, and follows the life of Norma Jean from her childhood in an orphanage to her rise to fame in Hollywood. Norma Jean, who later changed her name to Marilyn Monroe, is a beautiful and talented actress who dreams of becoming a star. She attracts the attention of powerful men in the film industry, including the famous director John Huston, who offers her a role in his upcoming movie.

Norma Jean also falls in love with Joe DiMaggio, a famous baseball player, and the two begin a tumultuous relationship. Despite their love for each other, their different lifestyles and conflicting schedules cause strain in their relationship, leading to arguments and fights.

As Norma Jean's star continues to rise, she becomes plagued by insecurities and a fear of being abandoned. She turns to alcohol and pills to cope with the pressures of fame, leading to erratic behavior on movie sets and public appearances. Her health deteriorates, and she becomes increasingly dependent on her close friend, Harriet, and her psychiatrist, Dr. Greenson.

Goodbye, Norma Jean portrays the tragic life of Marilyn Monroe, highlighting the struggles she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry. The film also touches on fame, mental illness, and the objectification of women in Hollywood.

Misty Rowe delivers a convincing performance as Marilyn Monroe, capturing the essence of the iconic actress. Her portrayal of the vulnerable and insecure Norma Jean is both heartbreaking and compelling. Terence Locke also delivers a strong performance as Joe DiMaggio, depicting the baseball player's love and frustration with Norma Jean.

The film features authentic costumes and sets from the 1940s and 1950s, transporting the audience back in time. The cinematography, although not groundbreaking, is effective in capturing the mood and tone of the movie.

Goodbye, Norma Jean is not without its flaws, however. Some scenes and dialogue come across as overly dramatic and contrived, and the pacing of the movie could be improved.

Overall, Goodbye, Norma Jean is a haunting biographical drama that tells the story of one of Hollywood's most famous and tragic stars. It offers an intimate look into the struggles and insecurities of Marilyn Monroe, and the price she paid for fame. The film is a must-watch for fans of Marilyn Monroe and classic Hollywood cinema.

Goodbye, Norma Jean is a 1976 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.0.