In doing my research for this year’s Academy Awards party at my house, I kept coming across Charlize Theron’s name listed for her portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in the film, “Monster.” I kept passing up the name, partially because I had not seen the film, but also because I couldn’t imagine Theron having the chops to pull off an Oscar worthy performance. She’s a fine actress who easily lights up the screen when she is in a film, but an Academy Award? In the immortal words of South Park’s Jimmy, “C-c-c-c-ome on!” As it turns out, I didn’t vote for her on my little ballot and that little gaffe on my part most certainly kept me from winning the pot that night. From that point on, I made it my mission to see if she really did earn that Oscar, which in turn lost me a few bucks. I had to wait a few months until the DVD turned up on my doorstep, so I set aside some time and took a look. I was immediately humbled. All the hype about Theron’s acting was dead on correct.

Sure she had a little help from the makeup department to make her look really trashed out, but if she had just stumbled through the role, all the makeup in the world wasn’t going to create a star making performance. Having been a bit familiar with the true case of Aileen Wuornos, who is referred to as one of the first female serial killers, I was amazed at how Theron seemed to completely embody the character, and the way the film was written and directed (both by newcomer Patty Jenkins), Wuornos almost becomes a tragic figure. Thankfully it doesn’t glorify or condone her actions, but more gives the viewer a little more insight into what can affect a person’s life so much as to make them sink to such a deplorable level.

I would be remiss if I failed to mention Christina Ricci as Wournos’ lover Selby Wall (not her real name). The first time I saw Ricci was in “The Addams Family” movie, and I never for a second thought she would become as strong an actress as she has. Her roles of late have been quite varied, and even though she doesn’t fit each one perfectly, she certainly gives her all.

A few years back, there was a TV movie made about Wuornos that starred Jean Smart (which is also currently available on DVD from Sony / Columbia Tristar), which I remember watching. Though it was one of the better made TV movies, it still did not capture the essence of Wournos’ descent as realistically as “Monster” does. It is a very difficult movie to watch, more so because the level violence is graphic. I’ve always had a fascination with the subject of serial killers, and so I read a lot of books and watch a fair amount of movies on the subject. This fascination comes from my trying to understand the psychology of what makes a person become one, since I cannot begin to fathom the mind set that it takes. Much of the power of “Monster” comes from this look into the psychological makeup of Wuornos.

The DVD release only has a few extras, the highlight being the ‘Making of…’ featurette. It comes in just under 15 minutes and includes some footage of the real Wournos. There is also an odd featurette that show how to mix sound, as well as an interview with the film’s director and composer. This last feature also runs about 15 minutes and for the most part the just talk about the score.

“Monster” was a much stronger film than I anticipated and a highly recommended watch. However, for you guys… it’s not a date movie.

Directed by: Patty Jenkins
Starring: Charlize Theron, Christina Ricci, Bruce Dern, Lee Tergesen, Annie Corley, Scott Wilson
Extras: Featurette, DTS Film Mixing Demo Featurette, Interview with Director Patty Jenkins and Composer BT, Trailers
Specifications: Widescreen (1.85:1) Enhanced for 16x9 Televisions, DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: Sony / Columbia Tristar
Release Date: 6/2/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: R (Strong Violence and Sexual Content, and for Pervasive Language)
Website

We'll give Monster an A.