Catherine Deneuve pays tribute to Marilyn Monroe in Marilyn darling, a book published by Flammarion and conceived with collector Sébastien Cauchon. The book is published on the occasion of the centenary of the birth of Marilyn Monroe, born on June 1, 1926, and offers a very personal perspective from the French actress on the woman she considers to be one of the greatest presences in the history of cinema.
"I could never have lived through what she went through."
In this book of photographs, Catherine Deneuve reflects on the intensity of the exposure endured by Marilyn Monroe. The French actress asserts that she could never have withstood such media pressure, particularly the constant pursuit by paparazzi, stating:I could never have lived through what she went through..
Deneuve thus speaks of Marilyn as a woman trapped by her image and often reduced to her appearance.
A star viewed differently
Marilyn darling This exhibition brings together approximately one hundred photographs selected by Sébastien Cauchon, a specialist and collector connected to the world of Marilyn Monroe. These images include behind-the-scenes shots, portraits, press photos, amateur photographs, and documents primarily from private collections. Several of them are presented as previously unpublished or rarely seen.
Through these images, Catherine Deneuve wants to convey a message: Marilyn Monroe was an underestimated actress, aware of her image and how Hollywood could exploit it.
Marilyn Monroe, a modern actress ahead of her time
Marilyn Monroe, who died on August 4, 1962, at the age of 36, remains one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century. Catherine Deneuve says she has seen all of Marilyn's films, notably Men prefer blondes, Seven years of reflection et Some like it hotwhich she cites as her favorite.
The two actresses share an immense place in the cinematic imagination, but their paths diverged. Deneuve built a long, controlled, and often mysterious career. Marilyn, on the other hand, was consumed by a sudden and intense fame, becoming a global symbol that didn't necessarily reflect who she truly was.
A centenary marked by rediscovery
Catherine Deneuve's tribute takes place during the centenary of Marilyn Monroe. A retrospective dedicated to her is being held at the Cinémathèque française until July 26, 2026, with the aim of revealing another facet of the actress, beyond the myth constructed by Hollywood.
