Elia Kazan on Marilyn Monroe: An Ugly Bruise

Cecil Beaton/1956

Conversation with Elia Kazan

Conducted by James Grissom

New York City

1993

The last couple of years were particularly bad for Marilyn. It was like watching someone falling--in slow motion--from a great and dangerous height. And no one knew what to do or how to approach her, because the great acting in Marilyn's life was in convincing so many people that she would bounce back, survive, be taken care of.

She was very much an ugly, tender bruise that got covered daily by heavy and expert makeup and walked out and did her duty.

And then she hit the ground