So what's it all about?
Monster is based on the true story of prostitute Aileen Carol Wuornos
(Theron), who murdered seven men in Florida in the 1980's. The film
focuses on Wuornos's life from the time she meets girlfriend Selby
(Ricci), up until the time she is found guilty of murder.
Is it any good?
Monster probably isn't what most people expect. It certainly isn't
true to it's title, nor is it a fast paced psycho/thriller film. Rather,
it's a sad, raw film about a woman who got every tough break life could
throw at her, who tried as hard as she could to get her life back on
track, but finally snapped after being raped. Watching the film one can't
help but feel sorry for Wuornos and it creates an interesting dilemma for
the viewer: Should you be sorry for a multiple murderer just because she
had a terrible life and, if so, where does one draw the line?
Theron, unrecognisable under her makeup, really is exceptional in this
role. She portrays Wuornos as a walking contradiction. Fragile and strong
at the same time, hard and belligerent towards the outside world, but
loving and sensitive towards Selby.
Ricci as Selby is a weak, manipulative woman, who expects Wuornos to
give her the life she wants. Aside from the first two murders, it seems
Wuornos's only murdered to provide for Selby.
Although I am always sceptical of "based on a true story" films,
director Patty Jenkins seems to have made a film which is very, very true
to life. A great deal of effort was put into making Theron look like
Wuornos, dialogue is very realistic and the characters real and flawed.
Filming also took place in unglamorous backwaters, making the film appear
more authentic, as opposed to "filmed on set" movies.
Score: 4/5
How about those special features?
Monster contains a few trailers of other films and only one "Making of
Monster " featurette. This is certainly worth watching, as it
highlights the amount of effort put into making the film realistic. Before
filming started, Jennings and Theron went on a road trip to Florida,
visiting all the places Wuornos frequented and lived in. Jennings also did
extensive research, including interviewing an old school friend of Wuornos,
and reading 12 years of correspondence between the two while Wuornos was
on death row.
Most jarring though, is that a lot of the film was shot in the actual
venues Wuornos frequented, like the nightspots she visited and the bar she
was arrested at. Consequently, a lot of the extras were people Wuornos had
dealt with on a day to day basis.
Score: 2/5
Best part:
The final murder Wuornos commits.
Best quote:
"In my life it's always been the harmless stuff that hurts the most"
Wuornos.
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Monster