Hollywood star transformed into Marilyn Monroe for film and nobody recognises her

The first glimpse of Dakota Johnson in her latest role is enough to make you do a double take. Her striking transformation into Marilyn Monroe for the new short film, Flesh Impact, is nothing short of breathtaking. The 36-year-old actress, known for her roles in films like Fifty Shades of Grey and Suspiria, has traded her brunette locks for Monroe's unmistakable platinum blonde curls.

Johnson's transformation is not just about physical appearance; it's about capturing the essence of an icon. In Flesh Impact, she plays the younger version of Monroe at the height of her fame, alongside Oscar winner Ellen Burstyn, who portrays a version of the actress the world never had a chance to see. The film's synopsis promises a unique take on Monroe's life, one that unravels long-held misconceptions and reveals a more intimate version of the Hollywood icon.

The reaction from fans has been mixed, with some marveling at Johnson's transformation and others expressing skepticism. One fan wrote on X, "She somehow even managed to capture her sultry eyes!" while another person posted, "I had no idea this was Dakota Johnson!" But not everyone is convinced, with one person writing, "Looks absolutely nothing like her" and another agreeing, "They don't even have the same facial shape!"

However, filmmaker Maggie Gyllenhaal, who wrote and directed Flesh Impact, is unfazed by the criticism. In an interview with Vanity Fair, she admitted to briefly questioning whether Johnson physically resembled Monroe before deciding it simply didn't matter. "Then I thought, 'That's ridiculous. Who cares?'" she said. "I don't know that anyone even really totally knows what Marilyn looks like because she's been so commodified and made into this myth and she's very blurry in my mind."

Gyllenhaal's approach to the film is refreshingly honest, acknowledging that Monroe has been reduced to a myth over the years. Rather than chasing a perfect impression, Flesh Impact aims to capture the essence of the actress and the role of women in the entertainment industry. As Gyllenhaal described it, the film is "a mixture of Marilyn and my fantasy of her," ultimately about "actresses in general and what it's like to have that strange, very vulnerable and, at the same time, very powerful job."

The ambitious short film also stars Sepideh Moafi and Peter Sarsgaard, Gyllenhaal's husband, who is set to receive its world premiere at a forthcoming festival. While opinions may be divided on Johnson's transformation, one thing is certain: Flesh Impact is a bold and intriguing take on a Hollywood icon, one that promises to challenge our perceptions of Monroe and the women who have come before her.

As a writer, I'm intrigued by the way Gyllenhaal has approached this project, eschewing a traditional biopic in favor of a more nuanced and intimate portrayal of Monroe. It's evidence of the power of cinema to reimagine and reinterpret the past, to challenge our assumptions and to offer new perspectives on the women who have shaped the entertainment industry.

Flesh Impact is set to be a fascinating addition to the conversation about Monroe's legacy, one that promises to spark debate and discussion. Will it change the way we think about the actress? Perhaps. But more importantly, it will offer a new take on the role of women in the entertainment industry, one that is both powerful and vulnerable.