Recommendations of the Editorial team
Judging by the number of headlines, Sydney Sweeney is probably the most famous actress working today. The fact that this has less to do with her performances on the big screen is also part of the story.
The latest chapter in the Sweeney saga takes place in “W” magazines instead of. The 28-year-old was photographed naked for the paper – in the glamorous Marilyn Monroe style. So that not only the hairstyle is reminiscent of the legendary icon, there is also a bit of glittering body paint.
The comments on social media speak volumes. Most of the reactions have the following tenor: All that glitters is not gold. This is hardly surprising, since Sweeney has been polarizing since the American Eagle campaign, which was discussed in all its shades (“Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans”). While the “Euphoria” star remained silent for the most part, she let her actions speak for herself with several movie appearances and some memorable costumes on red carpets. The shitstorm on one side was just as certain as admiration from the other.
By the way, the “W” magazine shoot wasn’t just dedicated to Sydney Sweeney. The acting model appeared in front of the camera alongside many other famous faces, including “Frankenstein” star and indie film darling Mia Goth.
Sydney Sweeney: sex symbol or serious actress?
The question remains whether the Marilyn Monroe imitation is anything but a coincidence. The comparison is obvious when it comes to Sweeney’s image: Marilyn Monroe was not “just” a sex symbol, but a woman reduced to a role while she herself desperately tried to be seen as a serious actress.
The discussion then is almost similar to today: Is Sweeney just a victim of the “male gaze”, or is she cleverly using an imagination to simply attract attention? Reducing the actress to just provocative poses ignores the fact that she is also a producer, entrepreneur and brand ambassador.
As with Marilyn Monroe, many of Sydney Sweeney’s roles contrast with her radiant external image as a “model”. She repeatedly plays young, overwhelmed women full of emptiness.
It seems as if it reflects the sadness of being seen but not recognized. Or that is also a (conscious?) game with the (one-sided) expectations of the audience.