What A Serial Killer Did For Love

Rating: 9/10 (17 October 2005)

"Monster" is based on the true story of Aileen Wuornos, the prostitute that turned serial killer in the 1990's in Florida. As we first see Aileen as a girl, you get to understand her past a little: molested as a child and treated with cruelty while growing up, which leads her into prostitution by the age of 13. We cut to Aileen (Charlize Theron) years later, working her trade in Florida. She seems on the brink of suicide until she meets Selby (Christina Ricci), who is living in Florida because her parents sent her there because she kissed a girl. Aileen falls deeply in love with Selby and wants to keep her happy. However, since she doesn't have any job skills other than being a hooker, she continues to do what she knows. It's during one night when one of her johns become brutal that Aileen begins to kill.
Shelby soon realizes the scope of Aileen's crimes, but is torn as to what to do. And Aileen world is getting out of control, killing johns in a way to lash out at her horrific past and to keep Shelby happy by robbing them of their cars and money.
This film pretty much is a twisted love story: Aileen finds true love with Selby and does anything to keep that love from slipping away, even if it results in someone's death. And Shelby clearly loves Aileen, although it can be said that she may love the freedom that Aileen gives her (She runs away from her relatives house to be with Aileen because her relatives are trying to "cure" her from being lesbian).
Theron's performance won an well-deserved Oscar. She is frightening and loving at the same time. Ricci's performance is also right on the mark. And it was nice to see Bruce Dern's performance as Thomas, the only man that seems to treat Aileen with kindness (Even trying to help her escape). This is a can't miss film.