Marilyn's Eyes
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Marilyn's Eyes
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Marilyn's Eyes is an Italian drama about the interactions among patients in a mandatory out-patient group therapy program. Most have impulse control issues that have gotten them in trouble with the law. One set a fire that caused extensive damage and a dog's death. Another destroyed a restaurant in a temper tantrum. Overall, they are portrayed sympathetically as they continue to struggle with their issues. A romance blooms between the two leads. Adults kiss. A knife is held to someone's throat. Language, some uttered by a person with Tourette's who can't control her speech, includes "f--k," "s--t," "bastard," "suck," "hell," "butt," "crap," "damn," "piss," "whore," "d--k," and "ass." Heroin, LSD, ecstasy, and other drugs are mentioned. Adults smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol.
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What's the Story?
Most of the characters in MARILYN'S EYES have mental health issues that have gotten them into trouble with the law. Diego (Stefano Accorsi) lost his last job as a chef when he destroyed a dining room because someone in the kitchen kept moving the flour. Clara (Miriam Leone) pretends to be an actress and after her husband discovered her career was invented, she set their home on fire, destroying two apartments and a neighbor's dog. In lieu of jail time, they are both assigned to an out-patient therapy group. Among the other clients are someone who believes he's in touch with aliens and someone who believes we are doubles and that our real selves are living elsewhere. Paris (Thomas Trabacchi), their chief therapist, encourages more ordinary contact with the outer world and his suggestion leads the group to invite the public for meals cooked by Diego. Fantasist Clara takes it a step further and uses social media to invent a restaurant with stellar reviews, telling callers that the wait for a table is six months. Diego is only allowed supervised visits with his young daughter and thinks if they really open a restaurant, she'll be impressed. Will it all work out?.
Is It Any Good?
Many sweet moments punctuate the yelling and over-the-top interactions among the out-patients in Marilyn's Eyes. The early moments of this film portray several of them as constantly on the verge of apoplexy, yelling at each other at the drop of a hat, fighting continual battles against their lack of impulse control. Part of Clara's pathology is lying and pretending to be an actor. The title draws attention to an absurd and unnecessary plot point -- she mistakenly believes she looks like Marilyn Monroe. When she attempts a musical impersonation of the icon in front of a captive audience, she neither looks like the screens star nor sounds like her. Although this offers Diego the opportunity to show his kindness, it really adds nothing to a plot that, at that point, has nowhere to go. When Diego tells Clara, "You stop making up nonsense and I'll stop breaking things," it's a touching moment, but it's clear neither of them will be able to make those adjustments.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how this Italian setting treats those with mental health issues. Does it feel as if the out-patient system is helping them improve? Why or why not?
The man running the out-patient program suggests that he overcame mental health issues of his youth by sheer willpower and that his patients should do the same. Does that sound realistic or dismissive of some of the problems his clients have?
Does the movie enlighten us about the issues that people with mental health problems experience? What are some problems it brings to light?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: March 15, 2022
- Cast: Stefano Accorsi, Miriam Leone, Thomas Trabacchi
- Director: Simone Godana
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 110 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: June 2, 2022
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