Charlize unleashes her inner Hag

Rating: Null/10 (2 February 2004)

Charlize Theron unleashes her inner hag with her compelling portrayal of Aileen Carol Wuornos, a Florida prostitute who starts murdering her johns after beginning a lesbian relationship with Selby, a naive younger woman played by Christina Ricci.
I commend both Ms. Theron and Ms. Ricci for their performances, but this ugly and pointless film leaves me at a complete loss. It is ironic that I saw this film within a couple of days of watching, and reviewing, the far superior "In Cold Blood." The two films have much in common. Both tell true tales of senseless and brutal crimes. Both invite us to feel sympathy for the perpetrator, but "In Cold Blood" succeeds where "Monster" ultimately fails. Why? Because "In Cold Blood" was about something. It had theme, purpose and judgment. All three are lacking in "Monster."

Director Patty Jenkins takes the events at face value, seemingly afraid to make any judgment. As a result, all she delivers is a tarted-up exploitation film. Take away the name actors and half the budget and all you would have left is a straight-to-video release in the same league as "I Spit on Your Grave" or "Last House on the Left."
I respect the performances of the two leads, and the general craftsmanship of the film, but I can't recommend the film. It is simply ugliness for the sake of ugliness.