Swampy Marshes.

Rating: Null/10 (1 January 2006)

The life of American serial killer Aileen Wuornos (tough as nails Oscar winner Charlize Theron) is the subject of this demented and dominant picture. Wuornos, a cheap Florida prostitute, is raped one night by one of her charges and is forced to kill him in self-defense. Something snaps though and the event turns her into a murderer who deems it necessary to kill other men who pay for her services. Also along for the crazed ride is a young girl (Christina Ricci) who seems to be the only beacon of light (and it flickers sporadically) and love (and although lovers, their relationship is strained to put it mildly) in the sordid mixture. Theron's risk here pays off huge dividends. The exotic beauty decided to go through a complete physical transformation that is both fascinating and admittedly a bit horrifying. Ricci seems out of place in the end, but honestly I think her character is meant to be that way from the start. "Monster" is a slap in the face that colors everything in oddly tinted shades that will leave you feeling numb and even confused. Though definitely not for all tastes, it is a movie that stands up and allows itself to be noticed and scrutinized. 4.5 out of 5 stars.