Powerful Film with Haunting Performances

Rating: Null/10 (14 June 2012)

Monster (2003)
*** 1/2 (out of 4)
Charlize Theron won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance of Aileen Wuornos, a prostitute turned serial killer. In our film we start off seeing Aileen as she's struggling to make it and finally sees a way to a happy life when she meets a confused gay girl named Selby (Christina Ricci). The two eventually fall in love but in order to keep the money flow coming in Aileen continues to be a hooker but soon she's also killing the men. MONSTER is a pretty depressing and powerful movie that features some of the best performances you're going to see in this type of film. If you're looking for something uplifting or something that's going to end with a high note then it's best that you stay away from this film. While it's often hard to watch there's no denying that it has some power, is extremely well-made and also features some terrific performances. Director Patty Jenkins really did a terrific job at telling this story and she also brought a certain atmosphere to the picture that just made it so realistic that it really did feel as if you were watching a documentary. You certainly have to give the director credit for never trying to spin a happy note on the picture because there's simply no way around this type of subject matter and thankfully the director went for the truth and not some phony pretty stuff. Ricci turns in a remarkably confined and powerful performance as the rather naive girl who gets pulled along in this mess simply because she's gay, comes from a small town and has no friends. I thought the actress did a very good job in the role and sold it ever step of the way. Bruce Dern, Scott Wilson and Pruitt Taylor Vince also turn in strong work in smaller roles. Then there's Theron who turns in a remarkable performance and you could easily and rightfully say one of the best that you're ever going to see. The make-up work is incredible because to turn such a beautiful women into this person was remarkable but even without this the performance stands on its own. Not for a single second do you ever see or feel a beautiful woman uglying herself down to do a part. Instead you see and feel this character who is so multi-layered and tortured that you can't help but be scared of her. Theron really gives it her all and she's quite creepy and sad at the same time. The performance just contains so much raw energy and passion that you forget you're watching a movie. The one negative thing about the film is that there are a few too many times where I think they showed the character as a victim. There are moments where it appears they want you to feel sorry for what has happened to her and you can to a point. However, there are many people who have the same stuff happen to them and they don't go on a killing rampage. With that said, there's no question that MONSTER is quite powerful and the performances alone make it a must see.