Theron transforms into a “Monster”

Monster

Starring: Charlize Theron and Christina Ricci

Directed by Patty…

Monster

Starring: Charlize Theron and Christina Ricci

Directed by Patty Jenkins

A chilling and sometimes disturbing movie, “Monster” turns the stomach. Still, it is a captivating portrayal of a haunting, true story.

Aileen Wuornos (Charlize Theron) is a highway prostitute ready to take her own life; she has lived a miserable life of abuse as a child that ultimately led to her hooking and more abuse. “Monster” follows Aileen as she meets a young woman named Selby (Christina Ricci), and a relationship forms between the two women.

Aileen talks Selby into staying with her in Florida instead of going back to live with her parents, who shunned Selby for being a lesbian. In order to make money for the two to live together, Aileen hooks. But after being raped and almost killed by one man — whom she kills in self defense — she takes on a mentality that all “Johns” are going to rape her. She continues to kill unsuspecting men, hiding their bodies and taking their money.

Aileen Wuornos killed seven men and was eventually caught and executed in a Florida State Prison on Oct. 9, 2003.

Directed by Patty Jenkins, who had previously directed only two short films, “Just Drive” and “Velocity Rules” in 2001, “Monster” is an incredible story of a woman who was very troubled.

Jenkins tells the story of Wuornos’ savage killings through the eyes of this desperate woman, who had been a victim very early in life. Wuornos was yearning for life — which she hadn’t had much of — as well as love, which she found in her new, young friend Selby. Wuornos is shown losing all hope in men; they only want her for a quick job. No love is involved with the men she has encountered.

Charlize Theron is phenomenal in the role of Aileen Wuornos. She completely transformed her appearance for this film, putting on 30 pounds for the role while having her hair done in a dirty mess. With makeup, she resembles the real Wuornos to an almost mirror image.

Theron not only had the look, but she played a hurt and troubled Wuornos, angry at the world and humankind. It’s hard to tell that it is even Theron playing the role; it’s so convincing, it’s scary.

Christina Ricci also did a wonderful job as the young and confused lesbian lover of Wuornos. Her character was naive and impressionable, and Ricci helped make it believable.

At one point, Ricci’s character was terrified when she found out about the murders. But when they needed money and a car, she demanded that Wuornos go back out into the night. Ricci displayed control of her character while going through emotional changes.

Another important element in this film was the soundtrack. Set in the ’80s, the music played an important role in supporting each scene. The strongest point to this is in a scene where Aileen and Selby are skating together at a roller rink, when a couples’ skate is announced and Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” is played. Aileen turns to Selby and says, “Oh, man, I love this song,” as they start skating together. This leads them to becoming more attracted to each other, making for a very intimate scene.

This movie isn’t for the squeamish or faint of heart. It is a violent and intimate story, about a troubled woman who took her pain and turned it on unsuspecting men. The subject matter is racy and startling, with a lesbian love scene and several brutal murder scenes. With compelling and phenomenal performances by Theron and Ricci, and a well-written script, “Monster” will leave you startled and unsettled. You’ll exit the theater satisfied with this impressive film.