Dakota Johnson, Ellen Burstyn Play Versions of Marilyn Monroe in Maggie Gyllenhaal Short Film

Maggie Gyllenhaal is set to debut a new short film at the Venice Film Festival this September. The 17-minute project, titled Flesh Impact, features Dakota Johnson and Ellen Burstyn playing different versions of Marilyn Monroe. The story serves as a tribute to the late icon on what would have been her 100th birthday.

The film explores the life of Monroe through a modern perspective. Johnson portrays the star during her peak years of fame, while Burstyn depicts an imagined version of the actress later in life. Peter Sarsgaard and Sepideh Moafi also appear in the production. Gyllenhaal stated that the project is a love letter to one of cinema's most recognizable figures and was created with the blessing of the Monroe estate.

Produced in partnership with the automotive brand Genesis, the short film includes a creative team featuring production designer Karen Murphy and costume designer Jennifer Johnson. Gyllenhaal, who will serve as the jury president at the festival, described the film as a mix of historical reality and her own creative interpretation of Monroe. The project aims to highlight the vulnerabilities and power inherent in the life of a film star.

This is not the only high-profile activity for Ellen Burstyn at the festival. She is scheduled to receive a Golden Lion for lifetime achievement and stars in the out-of-competition title Place to Be. The Venice Film Festival continues to draw attention for its slate of star-driven works and major industry milestones.