Theron's Monstrous Performance.

Rating: 7/10 (26 January 2016)

Monster (2003): Dir: Patty Jenkins / Cast: Charlize Theron, Christina Ricci, Bruce Dern, Annie Corley, Pruitt Taylor Vince: Shocking true story about society's damage. Charlize Theron plays Aileen Wuornos who was sentenced to death in 2002 for the murder of seven males. Her background indicates that her damaged self esteem turned her to prostitution until she met a lesbian played by Christina Ricci. Theron shoots her first taker with his own gun after being raped. Compelling but often repetitious with an ending that should render thought. Insightful directing by Patty Jenkins who drives the social commentary home. Theron delivers a knockout performance as a woman driven to madness. She encounters a variety of males including a cop, but her story isn't a happy one. Ricci is superb as the wandering lesbian who is staying with relatives. Her parents resent her choice of sexuality, and her hookup with Aileen can only lead to trouble. Supporting roles are unfortunately not as broad. Bruce Dern appears but more of him would have been better. Also appearing is Annie Corley. Great makeup job on Theron to complete the transformation. Pruitt Taylor Vince plays a nervous and shy stuttering dote whom Theron gives a hand job to. Depressing film that will not appeal to everyone but it does present stern lessons about that monster called society. Score: 7 / 10