"They Gotta Tell You Something..."

Rating: Null/10 (5 June 2004)

I just want to start off by saying that it's a shame that people focus solely on Charlize Theron's performance in this movie. Not that it's a poor performance, no, quite the contrary. But she alone does not carry this film. Great acting, a touching story, wonderful cinematography, and superb direction (especially for a first movie!), make this one of the best movies of last year.
Yes, it's hard to feel sympathy for Wuornos after the fourth or fifth john she kills, and about 3/4 through the movie the "I did it all for you" excuse seems a little half-assed. But writer/director Patty Jenkins isn't looking for sympathy for Aileen "Lee' Wuornos. This is one of those movies that isn't one way or another. Like most great films, it just is.
Theron's performance is good, definitely Oscar-caliber, whatever that means,
but still WAY overhyped. She's still a young actress who isn't at her best yet, but she's definitely showing signs of great skill. Christina Ricci also does a fine job.
I totally did not expect the romantic plot involved in Monster. I expected a pretty much straight-up biopic, but I got a somewhat tender homosexual romance that, very tragically, goes awry. It's a very sad movie. If you're looking for an upper, stick to Amelie or some feel-good title along those lines. This is very depressing.
Also, don't take your kids to see this. The cursing is through the roof, but there's a very violent rape scene as well as some very violent killings. Most of it is deserving of an R, but the rape scene in particular borders on an X.
Patty Jenkins is one of the two big new directors of last year, the other being Sofia Coppola. I hope to see more movies from them in the upcoming years.
Monster
Final Cut: A-
Direction: A- Script: B Style: B+ Acting: B+ Music: C+
Fun Fact: Bruce Dern plays a Vietnam war veteran, which is, ironically, similar to the role he played in the totally sappy war movie "Coming Home."