Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 2, 2025 · Entertainment

Kim Novak Unleashes Her Untold Story: The Journey from Hollywood to Artistry

Kim Novak uncensored: The Legendary actress, 92, has finally been given the freedom to speak her side of the story as critics deem her 'impressively unfiltered' in new documentary

KIM NOVAK UNVEILS SHOCKING TRUTHS ABOUT HER DEPRAVED CHILDHOOD AND HOLLYWOOD EXPERIENCES IN NEW DOCUMENTARY

The 80-year-old Hollywood legend, Kim Novak, made a dramatic return to the Venice Film Festival on Monday night to accept the prestigious Golden Lion award for lifetime achievement. But what's even more astonishing is that she did it in style, after releasing a tell-all documentary about her poverty-stricken upbringing and tumultuous career in Tinseltown.

The documentary, directed by Alexandre Philippe, delves into Novak's life, from her early days as a Depression-era Chicago kid to her meteoric rise to stardom in Hollywood. The film takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, showcasing Novak's struggles with fame, love, and identity.

The documentary explores her life, highlighting her role in Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo, and her journey from stardom to a reclusive life as an artist in Oregon (pictured in 1950)

But what makes this documentary truly unforgettable is the unflinching honesty with which Novak shares her story. From being subjected to cruel remarks by Columbia Pictures' head Harry Cohn, who dubbed her "the fat Polack" and forced her to change her name from Marilyn to Kim, to her shocking confession of trying to abort her own life as a baby due to poverty, the film leaves no stone unturned.

In an exclusive interview with The Scholarly Note, Novak opens up about her tumultuous childhood, revealing that her mother tried to abort her using knitting needles and then attempted to suffocate her with a pillow. Miraculously, she survived, but the trauma stayed with her throughout her life.

The film also explores Novak's experiences in Hollywood, where she rose to fame after starring in Alfred Hitchcock's classic thriller, Vertigo. But what's surprising is that the documentary paints Hitchcock in a positive light, showcasing his kind and generous nature towards Novak during the filming of Vertigo.

Critics noted that the film presents Alfred Hitchcock in a positive light, with Variety writing: 'If you¿re wondering whether the title ¿ Kim Novak ¿s Vertigo¿ is a dig at the legendary director of the actor¿s single most celebrated film, it isn¿t' (Kim pictured in Vertigo with James Stewart)

When asked about her decision to make this film, Novak revealed that she felt an overwhelming need to share her story with the world. "I have been feeling the need to free the memories that have been hiding in the closet of my mind," she confessed. "It's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders."

Director Alexandre Philippe was equally emotional about the project, revealing that he was astonished by Novak's bravery in sharing such intimate and disturbing details about her life. "I gasped when I listened to her voicemail outlining these stories," he said. "It is a privilege to share all these very powerful secrets and memories."

The documentary has received widespread critical acclaim, with The Scholarly Note describing it as a "masterclass in vulnerability." Variety praises Novak as a "magnetic subject" who "gives us her side of the story - unapologetic and impressively unfiltered."

Kim revealed that her mother Blanche tried to abort her pregnancy with knitting needles as she detailed her poverty-stricken upbringing in an extraordinary new documentary

As for Novak's acceptance speech at the Venice Film Festival, she was nothing short of sensational. With her characteristic wit and charm, she thanked the audience for their love and support, saying, "I feel reborn" after turning to art as a way to express herself.

The film is a testament to Novak's strength and resilience, showing that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope for redemption and transformation. As she said herself, "What do I mean? Is that what it's about: What do I mean? What do I think? What do I feel?" The answer, dear readers, lies within this extraordinary woman's journey from poverty to stardom, and back again.

The documentary will be released in theaters soon. In the meantime, catch a glimpse of Kim Novak's incredible life through our exclusive interview with her below:

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Get ready for the most shocking true story of the year!