Maggie Gyllenhaal’s “Flesh Impact” Reimagines Marilyn Monroe at Venice

Maggie Gyllenhaal will debut the 17-minute short “Flesh Impact” at the Venice Film Festival, where she also serves as jury president. The piece imagines Marilyn Monroe living beyond her 36-year lifespan, presenting a young Monroe—played by Dakota Johnson—and an older version portrayed by 93-year-old Ellen Burstyn. The film’s log line describes a mysterious elderly woman auditioning in a New York black-box theater, prompting revelations about Monroe’s identity and the myths surrounding her life.

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Gyllenhaal wrote the script and selected Johnson despite the actress’s limited physical resemblance to Monroe. She explained that the decision stemmed from a desire to move beyond Monroe’s “commodified” image and explore a blend of the icon and the filmmaker’s fantasy. The narrative asks what Monroe’s work might look like if she had “60 years to herself,” using the dual-role structure to comment on the vulnerability and power inherent in acting.

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The short is produced by William Green (The Cut), Michelle Ross (Superprime), Nicolette Spencer and Melissa Moore (INNOCEAN), and presented by automotive brand Genesis. Executive producers include Maddi Carlton, Brandon Boerner, Rebecca Skinner, David Webb and Courtney Kivowitz. Supporting cast members feature Peter Sarsgaard and Sepideh Moafi. Key crew includes production designer Karen Murphy, casting director Mary Vernieu, costume designer Jennifer Johnson, editor Affonso Gonçalves and director of photography Lawrence Sher.

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• “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.” — Maggie Gyllenhaal

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• “At Genesis, we believe the arts have a unique ability to inspire reflection, spark meaningful conversation, and connect people through stories that endure across generations,” — Amy Marentic, chief marketing officer at Genesis Motor America

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