Michael Arnold, the grandson of acclaimed photojournalist Eve Arnold, recently shared poignant details from his grandmother's deep relationship and professional partnership with Marilyn Monroe, revealing intimate aspects of the star's life and career struggles.
According to Daily Mail, the new insights coincide with the release of a republished book and an exhibition of Eve Arnold's photography in London, focusing on her role in shaping Monroe into an international icon.
Eve Arnold met Marilyn Monroe in 1952 at a Hollywood party. Eve, a UK photojournalist known for her candid portraits, caught Monroe's attention with her work featuring Marlene Dietrich. Monroe, impressed by Eve’s skill, approached her with the idea of shaping her public image.
"Marilyn came to trust Eve. Because of that, Eve was able to get pictures of her that were more candid, more real..." Michael shared, highlighting the trust that formed the foundation of their collaboration. This trust allowed Eve to capture some of Monroe’s most vulnerable moments, setting a foundation for a decade-long working relationship that continued until Monroe's untimely death in 1962.
Eve Arnold's photographs of Monroe helped cement the actress’s status as a major star. Their professional relationship developed alongside a growing personal bond, with Monroe often confiding in Eve about her insecurities and mental health challenges.
"Marilyn would say to Eve, 'Let’s make Marilyn.' She was very clear on the vision that she had and what she wanted to look like," Michael explained. This strategic partnership involved Monroe both in front of the camera and behind the scenes, deliberately crafting her public persona.
The transformation wasn’t always easy for Monroe. During the filming of "The Misfits" in 1961, she struggled immensely. Michael recounted, "'The film was intended to be her move into more serious acting, and her childhood hero, Clark Gable, was one of the actors in it. She felt quite intimidated because quite often they would change the lines in the scene she was about to play."
Despite her glamorous image, Monroe faced many personal battles. "There was a vulnerable side to Marilyn,” Michael emphasized. Eve Arnold captured these complexities, portraying Monroe not just as a sex symbol but as a multifaceted individual who was also a savvy businesswoman.
"Eve wanted to show the savvy businesswoman that Marilyn was as well. She was often seen as just a sex symbol but she was so clear and focused," Michael highlighted, pointing out Monroe's shrewdness and intelligence. Monroe's commitment to self-education and role modeling after successful actresses shaped her deliberate transformation into a star.
Marilyn Monroe's death in 1962 from acute barbiturate poisoning, ruled as a probable suicide, marked a tragic end to her and Eve's collaboration. Following Monroe’s death, Eve Arnold took great care to protect the images from being exploited by the press. Over time, she decided to share these more intimate portrayals, offering a new perspective on Monroe’s life.
Eve Arnold passed away in 2012 at the age of 99, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate through her photographs. To honor his grandmother, Michael Arnold has republished her book featuring over 100 images of Monroe, which provide a deeper look into her life beyond the camera.
An exhibition of Eve Arnold’s work, including her stunning photos of Marilyn Monroe, is currently on display in London from November 7 until November 20, 2024. This exhibition not only celebrates Arnold’s contributions to photography but also revisits the profound influence she had on one of Hollywood’s most enduring icons.
