Criminals are people too

Rating: 7/10 (15 March 2007)

A fairly attractive Charlize Theron plays a grossly unattractive Aileen Wuornos, a prostitute that murdered some of her johns. When the movie was being previewed and talked about before it hit theaters I saw Charlize Theron on a talk show promoting the movie. At that time I had no idea who Charlize Theron was. The talk show showed a picture of Theron in the movie compared to her normal look. All I could say was: Wow!!! The transformation was astonishing. I don't know how much make up they had to put on her (or take off of her) to get her to look the way she did, but to complete the amazement, she also gained weight for the film.
I watched the movie on T.V. and Theron not only went through great lengths to look the part, but she did a helluva job acting the part too. To transform from a dainty, attractive Hollywood icon to an overweight, foul mouth, masculine prostitute, was just awesome. On top of that, the movie was good. Criminals are people too. Aileen's story was not particularly unique, but her character coupled with her lifestyle was compelling. I am interested in the minds and lives of criminals. I'd never want to be a criminal myself, and I don't even condone of criminal behavior, but like the scientist or the psychologist, I like to know what makes them the way they are.
Aileen, was an interesting case and an interesting person. She was a homeless wandering soul, looking for money, looking for love, looking for a suitable life. She found a person of interest in Selby (Christina Ricci) and they shared a life together briefly before Aileen's criminal actions caught up with her. They were almost reminiscent of Thelma & Louise in that they were on the road & somewhat on the run, and all they had and all they could trust was each other. Aileen's story, and in fact Aileen herself, was compelling.