Monster
Based On A True Story
Aileen Wuornos (Charlize Theron, in an Oscar-winning performance) faced difficult odds early in life, abusing drugs and becoming a prostitute (and pregnant) by the age of 13. Wuornos moved from Michigan to Florida where she continued to ply her "trade," specializing in a clientele consisting mainly of truck drivers. It was during that time that she began murdering any "John" who tried to rape her. Christina Ricci co-stars in this true story.
Member Reviews
Theron is amazing - DisposableHero
Monster is an interesting movie, in that it takes the tale of serial killer Aileen Wuornos, and makes you actually feel remorse for someone so cold-blooded. The story itself is simple, and portrays a broken woman looking for a chance of redemption, but instead falling deep into a hole from which she will not be able to climb out of. Charlize Theron is phenomenal, and her Oscar for the role shows that. She transformed her magical body to suit the role of a prostitute, and matches all of Wuronos' mannerisms to a tee (watch any of the documentary footage of the real Wuornos and you'll agree). Major props to Christina Ricci, who plays that aforementioned chance at redemption for Wuornos. Because of the performances and the storytelling, it's a serial killer you feel sympathy for, which I think is brilliant.The justice? - willow1984
I absolutely love this movie. Charlie was amazing in this movie and you won't even recognize her if you didn't know she was in it.
The storyline follows the evolution of Lee from a prostitute, a victim to an aggressor, one that takes "justice" into her own hand. When she first killed the guy that tried to rape her, I actually cheered in my living room. She had unleashed the rage that had been bottled up inside her for all those years.
The movie was beautifully directed and the love story was truly moving.
I highly recommend this movie to anyone that liks thoughtful movies.Superb Performance By Charlize Theron - revsdd
Generally speaking, I've always enjoyed both the work and the movies of Charlize Theron, and even on occasion when I've not particularly enjoyed the movie, Theron's performances have impressed me. Having said that, everything else she's done pales in comparison to this superb performance as Aileen Wuornos - the real-life prostitute/murderess, who killed several johns in 1989-90 before being arrested and ultimately executed. I would never have thought of Theron - who is a very beautiful woman - being able to pull off this part as a run-down, "weather beaten" street hooker, and yet she did it brilliantly.
The portrayal of Wuornos was surprisingly sympathetic, I thought, given the circumstances. Although there was nothing portrayed of her childhood, the stories she shares make the point that it was pretty tough, and the portrayal of the initial murder makes clear that it was self-defense, but it began a spiral downward, which was accelerated by her growing lesbian relationship with Selby (Christina Ricci), which seemed sincere enough, and which made the need for money to support both of them more desperate. That relationship itself adds to the sympathy felt for the two, as both are clearly troubled women in need of some love and tenderness who, at least for a time, find both with each other.
The story seems reasonably accurate, although "Selby" was not the actual name of Aileen's lover. Theron and Ricci had good on-screen chemistry together, and the story itself is quite riveting and, given the circumstances and what could have been done with it, not as graphic as it could have been - and I say that in a positive way.
Member Reviews
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Theron is amazing - DisposableHero
Monster is an interesting movie, in that it takes the tale of serial killer Aileen Wuornos, and makes you actually feel remorse for someone so cold-blooded. The story itself is simple, and portrays a broken woman looking for a chance of redemption, but instead ...The justice? - willow1984
I absolutely love this movie. Charlie was amazing in this movie and you won't even recognize her if you didn't know she was in it.
The storyline follows the evolution of Lee from a prostitute, a victim to an aggressor, one that takes "justice" into her ...Superb Performance By Charlize Theron - revsdd
Generally speaking, I've always enjoyed both the work and the movies of Charlize Theron, and even on occasion when I've not particularly enjoyed the movie, Theron's performances have impressed me. Having said that, everything else she's done pales in comparison ...