Where does it begin?

Rating: Null/10 (21 March 2004)

I watched this movie because I first heard of this story on American Justice and I wanted to see how "Hollywood" will portray this story. Personally, I think both of the main actresses in this movie did a magnificent job. I am especially impressed by the transformation of Theron into Aileen. But regardless of the level of acting or directing, I think this movie deserves the recognition it has received. Some may criticize this as being over-the-top shock value. But the shock value is needed to tell a story such as this one. Many of us sitting at home with our big screen T.Vs and computers have never experienced a day of hardship. We can criticize and look down upon all the "low-lives" out there, but most of us don't fully understand the the dirt on their faces, or the shame in their eyes. I can't say I have gone through anything remotely close to what people like Aileen have gone through. But they are just that...people. You don't have to give a dime to anyone. But how much does it cost to have compassion? To have compassion is to first understand. And I think this movie lifts up the rug under which we often sweep the "dirt" of our society. This movie made me ask, how did the down-and-outs get to where they are? Where did it all begin? Perhaps if we can understand more about the origin of the problem, we can find a solution.