Monster! A More Apt Title I Am Yet To See!

Rating: 5/10 (2 February 2008)

Aileen Wouris was indeed a "monster". Anyone who so callously takes the lives of five individuals in cold blood cannot be described any other way. I mention cold blood only in relation to five of the murders as Wouris' defence for the first murder she committed was based on self defence. The movie then worked very hard to find the reason which she CHOSE to continue killing. I become very suspicious when perpetrators of violent crimes reflect on certain incidents in their life that may have led them to that point and seek redemption and maybe even a certain amount of empathy and compassion from the general populous for their actions. I am not saying that Aileen Wouris herself was looking for sympathy but there is no doubt that director of Monster, Patty Jenkins certainly decided to portray the character of Wouris almost to the point where she was being portrayed as a victim. That is what I found most offensive about this movie. Life is largely about making CHOICES. I recognize and appreciate that Wouris had a tortured upbringing but that doesn't justify ANY of her actions: a point of view obviously not shared with Jenkins who, as well as directing, also wrote the screenplay after having some correspondence with Wouris herself. Why did I choose to watch this film in the first place? The answer is quite simple.I had read the reviews and was aware of the film's content. I wanted to see for myself what I had heard was a breathtaking performance from Charlize Theron. I have scored this unpleasant film higher than I may have otherwise simply on the back of Theron's performance which was simply masterly. I will ponder for some time the effort made by this actress to put herself quite literally in the mind (and body) of a deranged individual who, apparently all because of her sad and sorry upbringing, CHOSE to take the lives of different men in a cold and calculated manner. We all make CHOICES in our lives and a lot of us have to deal with terrible difficulties and tumultuous emotional and physical upheaveals whilst growing up. Not all of us turn into monsters!