"One of the Best performances in the history of the cinema"

Rating: 10/10 (17 May 2004)

Based on the true story of Highway Prostitute/serial killer Aileen Wuornos and staring Charlize Theron, in the role that earned her an Oscar and the title of the best performance in the history of Cinema. Wuornos is one of life's damaged people. Disillusioned about life and the men who pick her up on the highways of Florida for sex, she's suicidal when she meets Selby Wall, (Christina Ricci), a young woman who's been sent to stay with her aunt in Miami in a vain attempt to cure her homosexuality. After a rocky start the two connect, it's a relationship that will have a profound impact on Wuornos' life. Although she tries to get a real job Wuornos is forced back on the road as a prostitute to get money. When one of the johns who picks her up becomes violent she kills him, and then it starts to become a habit. Charlize Theron gives a totally convincing performance which is transcendently great, genuine and entirely astonishing. Her transformation from super beautiful to super ugly is amazing. It is not just a matter of make-up but a totally psychological embodiment. She truly gets into the psyche of Wuornos (she defiantly deserved her Oscar!) Charlize's performance is one that will be talked about for many years to come and it's done with an incredible amount of understanding of Wuornos' sentiment. Also full credit to first time Writer/ Director, Patty Jenkins for intelligently and Non-sensationally directing this dark and beautiful film. An entirely impressive film with an incredible lead performance. I love this film. 5/5