Monster (2003)
A modern-day Thelma and Louise;
A real tragedy following the bleak life of Aileen Wuornos, the director’s choice to begin the movie with the message: ‘based on a true story’, is rendered somewhat useless by Charlize Theron’s realistic performance. I hadn’t heard of Wuornos nor had I known of her crimes but by the last scene I was feeling sorry for a serial killer. The story begins with a desperate woman on the brink of suicide, she makes a deal with God and it appears God delivers. Aileen is given Selby; a Naïve, catholic-raised and closetted lesbian; and with her comes the optimism for a better life. Despite Aileens claim of heterosexuality, it is not long before the relationship blossoms and quite literally changes everything. Aileen is given a purpose that we so desperately want to believe in yet we are presented with the cost of love and the extent at which it redefines human nature.Theron’s acting seems to carry a linear plot, her displayed intensity of emotion is sure to keep you entertained and fixated on this broken woman’s journey. The pacing of the plot is seemlessly fluid as the tones of hope subtley transform into hopelessness. As you sit and watch the story unfold you witness a battle against fate and prejudice that seem to justify Aileen’s sins.
Selby’s role in the story bears a dark symbolism, she is innocent and in many ways the opposite of Aileen. While both characters may have endured discrimination from their family and society, Selby appears to have a chance in life whereas Aileen feels her chance was never there to begin with. Despite her better status in life, Selby leaves Aileen to provide for their life together, unaware of the burden she is bestowing. This creates a one-sided turbulence as Aileen is driven to darker places both metaphorically and physically. This turbulence inspires Theron’s performance as we are gifted with passionate outbursts of a wide range of emotions that bear power and control as we sit and indulge in the feelings of our protagonist. These performances are what prepare you for the acts of rage driven by Aileens suffering and hatred. Had Theron’s acting not been as powerful and believeable then the second half of the movie would’ve simply consisted of an unhinged hooker committing savage acts of violence towards horny men. Instead we are rewarded with a sense of twisted justice wherein we are left routing for murder.
