A SHOCKINGLY MOVING FILM THAT BURROWS DEEP BENEATH THETABLOID-SIZED HEADLINE STORIES OF AILEEN WUORNOS, THE MAN-HATING SERIAL KILLER EXECUTED LAST YEAR IN FLORIDA.
This is one based on a true story that is so brutal at times that I never want to watch or think about it again. Charlize Theron literally transform into a monster and don't even know that it was her.
Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL Reviewed on 1/17/2022...
Excellent performance by Charlize Theron who is unrecognizable in this film. A little violent at times, but excellent storyline, based on a true story.
0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Rachel W. from DELANSON, NY Reviewed on 9/24/2011...
This movie is underated...Charlize Theron is unrecognizable as herself in this movie and a great and believable actress. Powerful, moving and sad. Based on a true story. Leaves you reconsidering who the real victim is.
2 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Sharon C. (Sierrastar) from BLYTHEWOOD, SC Reviewed on 9/13/2011...
I think it was good acting by Charlize Theron and Christina Ricci. The main character was eventually executed in real life for the crimes she committed. She was a real man hater and her victims found that fact out much too late.
2 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Chuck B. (ChuckB4Me) from WENTZVILLE, MO Reviewed on 12/4/2010...
Charlize Theron is fantastic, she puts herself in the mind of the character she is portraying and actually becomes that character. Beautiful work!
2 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.
S A A. (Learned2Heal) Reviewed on 10/31/2008...
Well, if you're into Charlize Theron movies... brace yourself. This isn't Charlize at her prettiest. But, by golly, it sure is Charlize at her glorious best, when it comes to acting. She did not get all those awards and nominations (mostly awards)for this movie for nothing.
The normally gorgeous and sweet Charlize has transformed herself for this movie into a hard-drinking, chain smoking, street-wise, cynical, butch prostitute who gives the word 'dysfunctional' a whole new meaning. She pretty much literally "becomes" Aileen Wuornos. I have seen Aileen Wuornos interviewed and believe me, they could be twins. She even has her speech pattern down pat. And, I read somewhere that she plucked her eyebrows out (completely!) just to enhance the facial resemblance to Wuornos.
This is not a 'fun' movie to watch, but if you appreciate gazing at true talent and gutsiness, this should definitely be at the top of your list! It is beautifully done!!!
6 of 6 member(s) found this review helpful.
Kimberly B. (TheBookHunter) from SALEM, OH Reviewed on 10/3/2008...
good movie! Charlize did an excellent acting job portaying this monster
1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Movie Reviews
"The Best Performance By Any Actress"
Terry Richard | Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada | 04/21/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Critics and film audiences applauded Charlize Theron's revivting performance in 2003's "Monster" which documents the real-life incidents of Aileen Wuornos, a prostitute who went on a killing rampage in the late eighties and early nineties, eventually murdering 7 men. The film details the torment Aileen went through as a young girl, feeling unloved and abused, to the point that she became a street walker. Instead of feeling hatred for Aileen we feel for her as the movie makes the viewer realize the anger and torment a person goes through to get to the point of becoming a prostitute. Even the fact that she becomes a killer still doesn't make us hate her, as there is one terrifying scene where she is raped and battered by a john in the isolated woods. In order to survive she kills this man, which is the starting off point of her murderous rampage. The film is a lesson for us all as we see how society can be insensitive and crue to people, and its that insensitivity that can eventually make monsters out of people. Theron won a well-deserved Academy Award for her portrayal; in the film she gained 30 pounds and wore fake teeth to alter her Hollywood glamorous look. Most critics, even Roger Ebert, stated that Theron gives the greatest performance of any actress in any year. In one word her portrayal is spellbinding. The blueray comes with the trailer, a featurette, and interviews with Patty Jenkins who wrote the screenplay as well as directed the film."