Monster (2003)

Plot: Aileen Wuornos (Charlize Theron) is a prostitute and comes from a broken home. She meets Selby (Christina Ricci) in a gay bar. Aileen's initially hostile but the two eventually become lovers. Aileen is later raped by a client and kills him. She then quits prostitution and tries to get a job, but her lack of education doesn't give her many options. Unable to find work, she returns to prostitution and continues to murder her clients. She spares one man out of mercy but kills one man who tries to help her. Aileen uses the money she stole from her clients after killing them support her and Selby. Selby reads in the newspaper of the murders and begins to suspect Aileen. They have a falling out and Selby leaves. Aileen is eventually arrested in a biker bar. Selby reveals incriminating information on the phone and hands it over to the police. To protect Selby, Aileen admits she committed the murders herself alone. Selby testifies against her and Aileen is sentenced to death.

Review: Aileen Wuornos was America's first female serial killer. She was convicted and sentenced to death for six of the murders. She was executed in 2002. Aileen Wuornos came from a broken home and she never had the chance of integrating in what we consider to be normal society. But with Patty Jenkins writing and direction, we feel sympathy for Aileen. We ask ourselves the question how do we feel compassion for a serial killer?

Firstly, in the plot, we're shown time and time again judgmental people who are unwilling to give her a chance. When Aileen goes on numerous job interviews is a perfect example. When she tries to explain herself, she's cut off or judged. The only person who gives her a chance is Selby.

But the real reason we feel sympathy for Aileen is Charlize Theron. Her performance is probably one of the best I've ever seen in film. First of all, her physical transformation is unbelievable. Charlize Theron is a beautiful woman and I've seen her in plenty of work. But nothing I ever saw gave me a slightest clue she'd be able to pull off a performance as a mentally ill and damaged woman who tries to do what she thinks is right. I saw a documentary of Aileen Wuornos and the similarities between Charlize Theron and the real Aileen are so close that it's almost scary. She completely divulges herself into this role. Charlize Theron won an Oscar for Best Actress for her performance and she rightfully earned it. Probably one of the most deserving Oscars.

Christina Ricci plays Selby in this. I'm a fan of Christina Ricci and she shines in this. She's great. Even though Charlize Theron is beyond amazing, Christina Ricci is just as great. I'm disappointed that she didn't get more recognition for her performance. Even though Charlize Theron deserved every award she got, I feel that Christina Ricci was equally deserving. She barely got any awards, while I do find shocking. In her Oscar speech, Charlize Theron called Ricci the "unsung hero" of the film. It's great that Charlize Theron realizes Christina's contribution to this. I do think that Christina Ricci should have been nominated for an Oscar. I don't know if she would've won, but I do think she should've have been recognized with a nomination at least.

Props also go to Patty Jenkins for her writing and directing. Being able to have an audience feel compassion for a serial killer is something we don't hear about too often. Normally with serial killers, we're expected to be disgusted and scared. But here, we just feel sympathy for someone who was never given a fair chance at life.

This is an incredible movie and dare I say it's probably one of the most unappreciated films out there.

Rating: 5/5