Monster (2003)

Monster: Directed by Patty Jenkins. With Charlize Theron, Christina Ricci, Bruce Dern, Lee Tergesen. Based on the life of Aileen Wuornos, a Daytona Beach prostitute who became a serial killer.

“Based on a true story this movie is about Ailen Wuornos, a prostitute, who killed quite a few men who she u0026quot;servicedu0026quot;. She was convicted in 1990 and executed in 2002.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eSheu0026#39;s played by Charlize Theron whou0026#39;s just incredible. It starts off just before she began murdering men and has met Selby (Christina Ricci), an adorable lesbian who loves her. It basically chronicles their relationship and what led Wuornos to kill these men. Also she reaccounts her childhood and how she became a prostitute. Itu0026#39;s more than a little depressing–itu0026#39;s a tragic story of a beaten woman who saw murder as the only way out. Only three murders are shown and thatu0026#39;s more than enough. The violence is not glorified–itu0026#39;s bloody and sick and one is the most harrowing thing Iu0026#39;ve seen in years. Whatu0026#39;s so fascinating (and scary) about this film is that I actually began to sympathize with Wuornos! While I could never condone her actions you can see clearly what led her to it. This is a rare film–it makes a serial killer look sympathetic.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eTheron is a wonder in this–she became Wuornos (who was very unattractive). She gained weight, shaved off her eyebrows, colored her hair, used contacts and dentures to change her appearance completely. Never once did I think I was seeing Theron acting–she BECAME Wuornos. A great performance–sheu0026#39;ll easily get the Oscar for this one. Ricci is also good here. Sheu0026#39;s been ignored in the press but she nicely underplays the role of Selby and is a perfect contrast to Theronu0026#39;s acting. Also nice to see Bruce Dern in a small role.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eMusic is used very effectively here. They play songs of the time it took place (1980s) so you know when this is happening and also nicely complements the actions on screen (especially with Journeyu0026#39;s u0026quot;Donu0026#39;t Stop Believingu0026quot;).u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eA very good movie but a very depressing one. Proceed at your own risk.”