Monster (***)
review by Jon Waterman

The movie tells the story of Aileen Wuornos; a prostitute turned serial killer. It gives a brief general background and then throws us into the point in the timeline where it all started. She meets a girl named Selby and finds herself dealing with a brand new set of emotions and problems. Based on a true story, the movie takes us inside the mind of this confused individual.

For the most part, the script is relatively basic. However, I liked how Aileen was portrayed. Most serial killer movies don’t attempt to make the audience sympathize with the mass murderer. Movies like “Hannibal” sometimes get you to like the person, but not feel for him. In “Monster,” writer/director Patty Jenkins provides insight into how and why she turned into a killer. This is a sharp contrast from traditional films that assume people start out bad or mentally unstable and fall deeper into the abyss they’ve lived in all their life. Jenkins shows how Aileen got started in selling herself and lets us follow her life as she meets Selby, tries to leave the streets and eventually falls into the abyss through circumstances beyond her control.

Besides the unorthodox way in which the subject matter is approached, the script doesn’t offer much. The dialogue is pretty standard and predictable as are several of the situations. Now, I know this was taken from real life, but there are still ways to present old material in a more interesting manner. Jenkins has characterization skills, but dialogue and direction still need more practice. It seemed to me that more attention was given to the acting of Charlize Theron than with the ensemble cast and with the visuals of the film. It was very easy to follow the film, but once again, I have to use the word “Standard.” I saw no real inkling of a particular style, nor did the locations or cinematography really add anything to the mood of the piece.

On the other hand, the work with Ms. Theron paid off. I never thought she was capable of immersing herself into a role like this. Even in “Cider House Rules” she still reminded me of the actress I saw in “2 Days in the Valley” and “Reindeer Games.” Theron earns herself a lot of credibility with this film. No longer will I scoff when I see her name in the credits. Congratulations, Charlize. You now have a respectable career. Don’t blow it. The rest of the actors do a decent job, but nothing extraordinary. They don’t seem to play off of Theron’s jittery, desperation in the appropriate way. The lines are delivered – sometimes with force – but in the end, they’re still lines on a page. Never do they become words spoken from a mind, except when coming from Aileen.

I seriously doubt this will go in the annals as a magnanimous film. I don’t even think it should be in the top ten. It’s a typical movie made good through the performances. So, if you’re looking for an actress to prove you wrong, or if you’re a fan of serial killer movies, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

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