Ellen Burstyn Recalls a Nod from Marilyn Monroe and Reflects on Hollywood's Evolution
At the Venice Film Festival, where she receives an honorary Golden Lion, 93-year-old Ellen Burstyn recounted a brief encounter with Marilyn Monroe that she has cherished for decades. She also discussed her roles in 'Flesh Impact' and 'Place to Be', praising co-star Taika Waititi. Burstyn noted the enormous changes for women in Hollywood, from a time with no women on set to today.
Burstyn's Venice lineup includes a dual portrayal of Monroe, playing an imagined older version in Gyllenhaal's short while Johnson depicts the younger star. In Mundruczó's drama, she forms a platonic yet affectionate connection with Waititi's character, a dynamic she believes will resonate with viewers.
Her Oscar-winning *Alice* originated from her refusal to accept scripts featuring subservient wives. She championed Scorsese, then a relative newcomer, whose daily improvisational rehearsals transformed the screenplay into a landmark piece that many credit with altering global perceptions of women.
Burstyn's reflections could serve as a powerful touchstone for contemporary debates about gender parity in film. Her account of a male-dominated set may help younger audiences grasp how recently the industry shifted. The honorary award could also spotlight the enduring relevance of older actresses, potentially encouraging studios to fund more stories that center on mature, complex female relationships and experiences.