Crimson, Clover and Creepy

Rating: 7/10 (11 January 2004)

Greetings again from the darkness. Tough docudrama on convicted serial killer Aileen Wournos. Director Patty Jenkins aims to present a character study on one of the few female serial killers in US history. This is a well-known story without much mystery, just plenty of anguish. "Lee" had a miserable childhood that just developed into prostitution for survival. Shows what can happen when you have no love or compassion. We get a glimpse of her teen years when she so desperately wanted someone to take a liking to her, but she simply lacked the social skills to allow this to happen. Charlize Theron is mesmerizing and unrecognizable as Wournos. The combination of weight gain, make-up and mannerisms bring Wournos to life - she becomes this messed up human being longing for companionship. Her relationship with the coniving "Shelby" (Christina Ricci) is almost as painful to watch as the killings. This film is not easy to watch, but Theron's performance makes it a must for film lovers. Check out the nice supporting roles from Pruitt Taylor Vince, Scott Wilson and veteran (and rarely seen) Bruce Dern.