Indie Gems: Monster

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America's "first" female serial killer.
Charlize Theron made the dramatic physical transformation into convicted serial killer Aileen Wuornos in 2003's Monster. Aileen, a highway prostitute in Florida begins to murder her clientele for money. It's hard to say that her intentions were "good", because nothing good comes from cold blooded murder, but in the film, Aileen wants to start a better life with her (fictional) young lover Selby. (Christina Ricci)

Theron's portrayal of Aileen is easily one of the best performances of 2000's. Let's face it: Charlize is drop dead gorgeous, and she packed on the pounds, chopped her hair, and looked downright scary as Aileen. And that's not even all of it, she really got into the psyche of her. While what she did was wrong, Theron was so good that there was a time in the film that I actually sympathized with Aileen's actions. Ricci, who has been long underrated in my opinion was spot on as well. These two women really carried this film. The first time I saw it was because my criminal justice teacher in high school urged us all to go out and rent it as it had just came out on DVD and we were studying serial killers in class. I found it to be really informative of Aileen's story, even though a good part of it was fictionalized. It was depressing, and at times really hard to watch, but I didn't expect anything else.

Recommended: Yes

Grade: A-

 Memorable Quote: "I'm going to get myself a career." - Aileen (Charlize Theron)

Comments

  1. LesyaJuly 6, 2012 at 11:35 AM

    I think I used to underappreciate this film. It's astounding that Charlize had enough courage to play that part and come through such a tranformation.

    ReplyDelete
  2. StephanieJuly 6, 2012 at 6:02 PM

    I haven't seen this movie yet, though I've heard Charlize Theron was terrific. It must have taken courage to shed her "pretty and sexy" persona and immerse herself in playing such a dark character.

    ReplyDelete
  3. s.July 6, 2012 at 10:31 PM

    Love this movie. I consider Theron's work here to be one of the fienest in movie history - incredible transformation and dedication to her craft.

    ReplyDelete

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