My daughter says, “Perhaps icons should die young. That way they can remain forever beautiful.”
Me, “You mean like Marilyn and Princess Diana?”
My daughter, “Yes.”
Me, “I don’t know that the icons would agree with you, but I know what you mean. When someone famous dies in the prime of life, he or she is forever frozen in time.”
Some people are luminous. Whatever else Marilyn Monroe was, she was luminous. She had that unique, ineffable, hard-to-describe appeal. As did Diana, James Dean, Heath Ledger… So it’s a little ironic, and quite tragic, that the late Heath Ledger’s lover and the mother of his child plays Marilyn in this movie. Michelle Williams is very good, and luminous in her own way, but she’s still Michelle Williams acting the part of Marilyn Monroe. It’s the eyes, I think. Marilyn’s eyes spoke volumes - an entire world in a single glance.
My daughter and I then discussed the quality of luminosity. When a luminous person is on the screen, you can’t help it, your eyes are riveted on that person. They are very few in number.
My daughter and I asked each other, “Who has it?” Our number one pick? Angelina Jolie. Number two, Brad Pitt, especially in A River Runs Through It, Legends of the Fall, and Interview with the Vampire. Scarlet Johansson can be luminous at times, other times not. Milla Jovovich. Rachel Weisz. Jennifer Lawrence for certain.
Speaking of Heath Ledger and his luminous quality… I can’t remember a more luminous, heartbreaking scene than Ennis Del Mar at the end of Brokeback Mountain… “Jack… I swear…”
It’s in the eyes, I think. It’s the eyes that make me believe.
Luminous… Yes, Marilyn was… I agree with you about Angelina, Brad Pitt and Scarlett Johansson, all so riveting. I also love Charlize Theron.
Luminosity is in the eye of the beholder…
but not all icons die young and two that spring to mind who, I think, also had the ‘eyes’ were Ingrid Bergman and Audrey Hepburn, 67 and 69 respectively at the time of their deaths, but I am sure they will always be remembered for their smouldering look.
I also think Doris Day had it in the eyes too, and she is still alive and kicking…
Oh yes, Brad Pitt in Legends of the Fall.
Love the new look. It really shines.
Elizabeth Taylor!
Don’t forget the guys….Paul Newman.
Love your new header, babe!
I like the new header and look to your site. Nice! And I agree about the eyes. I think that’s why I’ve always liked Russell Crowe (he carries his intensity in his eyes). Thankfully, he’s still with us.
Like the new header too. Can’t speak about the iconographic anthropomorphication of luminosity, but I think I just made up a name for talking about it. Ciao bella! BTW that gut bomb is flying thru the New England are. I know of at least five people from Mass to Machias who got it. Fingers crossed.
Hi, Jamarilyn! I actually considered Charlize Theron, but she was the only other person I could think of who has that quality.
Hey, Tom! I woke up wondering if Doris Day had it. She certainly had the eyes. Bergman and Hepburn were something. I don’t think you find women like that anymore.
Thanks, Amber. Yes, Legends of the Fall. Holy moly.
Hi Penny - Elizabeth never did it for me, but she had gorgeous eyes. Paul Newman? One of my all-time favorite hotties!
Thanks, Casey! Yes, it’s the eyes that do it for me. A larger than life quality. Russell Crowe? I love him as an actor, but I never thought of him that way. I’ll have to look again. Gerard Butler in 300!
Steph -
Yes - Iconic Anthropomorphication of Luminosity. I like it.
Ah, yes, luminosity. Marilyn actually may have been a once in a century phenom. New century now. Wonder if anyone will ever be able to match her. Good post, Julia.
Agree on the new blog look. Fabulous. Nothing like spring cleaning and “moving furniture” to make the world fresh again, eh?
Love Angelina and Milla. I think some stars have that extra twinkle in them that makes them memorable even after they have passed away or even stopped acting.
Yes, Savannah, it’s as if the camera can capture their aura or spirit or something.
Thanks, Jaye! I like the new look. Tom misses the panties. But then he would. Yes, Marilyn was one of a kind. I doubt anyone will ever match her. Oh, you know who I forgot? Grace Kelly - now she was one luminous woman!
Love your new header…John Wayne, Cary Grant, Bogart and Kate Hepburn… Young, old, if they have it, you never forget them…
I’m a big Katherine Hepburn fan, Anny. And I adore Cary Grant.
Oh yeah, I agree about the eyes.