Marilyn Monroe

Bert Stern - Creating Timeless Images of Marilyn Monroe and Lindsay Lohan

In 1962, famous fashion photographer Bert Stern shot a series of photographs of Marilyn Monroe. The photo series, which lasted three days, is known as The Last Sitting because it marked the last time Marilyn would pose for the camera. The 2,500 photos depict a nude and semi-nude, sexy Marilyn, who not only displays many moods, but also an underlying vulnerability. Stern combined several photographic elements: portraiture, eroticism, fashion, and artistry.

Bert Recreates Marilyn
Bert Stern’s decision to recreate the legendary photo shoot 46 years later, led him to choose Lindsay Lohan as the model who would portray Marilyn Monroe. Lindsay’s mother Dina says "It was very tastefully done… I respect the photographer as an artist, so I look at them (the photos) artistically. For him to call Lindsay 46 years later and to say can you recreate these photos is an honor."

Searching for Semblance
Bert saw many similarities between Monroe and Lohan. At the time of the original shoot, Marilyn had been through a few relationships, had been publicly criticized for her behaviour on the set of Some Like It Hot, and had spent time in a psychiatric ward. The tabloid life of Marilyn Monroe paralleled in various ways that of Lindsay Lohan’s, including the recent headlines regarding Lindsay’s lesbianism and dismal movie performances. Bert said the project "grew out of his interest in controversial women, or bad girls like Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, and Lindsay Lohan."

Lindsay Feels the Honour
Lindsay Lohan was thrilled to be asked to recreate the Marilyn Monroe photo series. She says "I didn’t have to put much thought into it. I mean, Bert Stern? Doing a Marilyn shoot? When is that ever going to come up? It’s really an honour." Lindsay was totally comfortable doing the artistic nude poses. However, the night before the shoot, she prepared for the session with physical exercise - 250 crunches!

Lindsay has been a big fan of Marilyn since her repeated viewings of Niagara during the filming of The Parent Trap. For years, Lindsay’s strong fascination with Marilyn inspired her to give Marilyn Monroe posters and paintings at Christmas time. She has even purchased an apartment that Marilyn once lived in.

Bert Stern’s re-creation of his photo shoot The Last Sitting is ripe with good intention. We can sit back and enjoy the homage he paid to the iconic woman, Marilyn Monroe.