In the 2022 film “Blonde,” Cuban actress Ana de Armas plays the lead role of Marilyn Monroe. However, some people have taken potshots at Ana de Armas accent, saying that she’s not fit to play the iconic American star.
According to many social media critics, her accent doesn’t sound believable in the trailer at all, causing people to believe that producers just couldn’t find any qualified American actresses in Hollywood. Is Ana de Armas accent really a problem in “Blonde?” Let’s break it down and find out.
Who is Ana de Armas?
Ana de Armas is a Cuban actress. She was born in Santa Cruz del Norte, Cuba on April 30, 1988.
You may ask: when did Ana de Armas come from Cuba? De Armas began her acting career in 2006 with a lead role in the Cuban romantic drama series “Una Rosa de Francia.” She then moved to Spain at age 18 and starred in the popular teen drama “El Internado.”
In 2015, she made her Hollywood debut with a small role in the action film “Knock Knock.” De Armas has since appeared in such films as “War Dogs” (2016), “Blade Runner 2049” (2017), and “Overdrive” (2017).
Does Ana de Armas Speak English?
According to an article by Man of Many, Ana de Armas has only learned English in 2014. Since then, she has pursued her acting career in Hollywood and starred in several English-language movies.
In an interview, De Armas said she loves working in both Spanish and English. “I grew up speaking Spanish at home and spent the majority of my teenage years in Spain,” she explained. “But I’ve always loved American movies and TV shows, so I started studying English when I decided to pursue a career in Hollywood.”
Marilyn Monroe’s Estate Defends Ana de Armas’ Accent
Marilyn Monroe’s estate has come to the defense of Ana de Armas after she was criticized for her accent in the upcoming biopic “Blonde.”
“Ana is a wonderfully talented actress and we’re confident she’ll give a mesmerizing and accurate portrayal of Marilyn,” said Monroe’s estate in a statement.
De Armas has been praised for her work in previous films but some have questioned if she’s the right choice to play Monroe due to her accent.
As Twitter users would say, Marilyn Monroe is iconic for her breathy tone. But Ana de Armas’ accent doesn’t depict anything of it at all. She just plainly uses her Cuban accent as shown in the full trailer of the movie.
Despite the many criticisms and backlashes going on the internet, the estate said that it believes de Armas is the perfect person for the role and that she has already shown her commitment to the project.
Is It Fair to Criticize an Actor’s Accent?
When it comes to whether it’s fair to criticize an actor’s accent, there are a few things to consider. For one, actors are often cast in roles that require them to speak with a certain accent, and so it’s not always their natural way of speaking. Additionally, accents can be difficult to master, and so even the best actors may not always get them perfect.
That being said, it’s still possible to criticize an actor’s accent if it’s particularly bad or if it significantly impacts their performance. In some cases, an actor’s poor grasp of an accent can make it difficult for audiences to understand them, and this can be detrimental to the film or show as a whole. However, there are cases when actors study different accents that they forget their own native accent—case in point, Gary Oldman
So while it’s important to give actors some leeway when it comes to their accents, there are still times when criticism is warranted.
About Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe was a famous star who was also known for her tumultuous personal life. Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson in 1926, and she spent much of her childhood in foster homes.
Monroe began working in the film industry in the late 1940s, and she quickly became a household name. Her films included some of the most iconic movies of all time, such as “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” and “The Seven Year Itch.”
Marilyn Monroe’s love for jewelry is also legendary. The actress was rarely seen without her signature diamond necklace, and her collection of baubles was vast. Monroe’s jewelry was often Givenchy or Cartier, and she favored pieces with a vintage feel.
While Monroe was revered for her beauty and talent, she was also plagued by personal demons. She struggled with addiction and mental health issues throughout her life. Monroe died of an overdose in 1962 at the age of 36.
Why is Blonde NC – 17?
The film “Blonde” is NC-17 because of its graphic and explicit sexual content. The film includes a rape scene, which the MPA ascribes to “some sexual content.”
Some viewers may find the film’s content offensive or pornographic, but others may appreciate its frank and open portrayal of sexuality. Either way, the film’s strong sexual content is the primary reason it has been rated NC-17.
Final Thoughts
It’s clear that Ana de Armas’ upcoming film “Blonde” has caused quite a stir, largely due to her accent. While some have praised the actress for her bravery in taking on such a different role, others have been quick to criticize her for her inability to perfectly imitate a native English speaker. Regardless of the mixed reactions, it’s safe to say that de Armas’ career is continuing to thrive, and she’s sure to continue impressing audiences with her talent and versatility.