Full Breakdown
Maggie Gyllenhaal Presents “Flesh Impact,” a Marilyn Monroe Short at Venice
7/28/2026, 8:45:26 PM
Film Debut at Venice Film Festival
Maggie Gyllenhaal will serve as jury president at the Venice Film Festival this September and will premiere her 17-minute short Flesh Impact. The film portrays Marilyn Monroe at the height of her fame, played by Dakota Johnson, and an imagined later-life version, played by Ellen Burstyn. The cast also includes Peter Sarsgaard, Sepideh Moafi and others. The project is produced by William Green (The Cut), Michelle Ross (Superprime), Nicolette Spencer and Melissa Moore (INNOCEAN) and is presented by automotive brand Genesis. The first look was reported by *Vanity Fair*.
Production Team and Creative Credits
Gyllenhaal’s crew features production designer Karen Murphy, casting director Mary Vernieu, costume designer Jennifer Johnson, editor Affonso Gonçalves and director of photography Lawrence Sher. Costume design draws on period wardrobes, while cinematography by Sher aims to blend classic and contemporary visual styles. Executive producers include Maddi Carlton, Brandon Boerner, Rebecca Skinner, David Webb and Courtney Kivowitz.
Official Statements & Responses
Genesis Motor America’s chief marketing officer Amy Marentic emphasized the brand’s support for the arts, while Gyllenhaal described the project’s personal resonance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This film is very much a mixture of Marilyn and my fantasy of her,” — Maggie Gyllenhaal
- “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
Cultural Context and Festival Presence
Marilyn Monroe would have turned 100 this summer, and her legacy continues to inspire new cinematic projects. In addition to “Flesh Impact,” Burstyn will appear in Kornel Mundruczo’s out-of-competition film Place to Be and is slated to receive a Golden Lion for lifetime achievement. The full Venice lineup is available through the festival’s official channels.
