PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Monster is a 2003 biographical crime drama directed by Patty Jenkins, starring Charlize Theron as Aileen Wuornos, a real-life serial killer. The film follows Wuornos, a former prostitute convicted of murdering seven men in Florida between 1989 and 1990. Through brief flashbacks and occasional anecdotes, it explores her troubled past, and her experiences with abuse and homelessness, while the greater portion of the film highlights her romantic relationship with Tyria Moore — renamed Selby Wall in the film, played by Christina Ricci.
Charlize Theron’s Unparalleled Transformation
Charlize Theron’s portrayal of Aileen Wuornos is widely regarded as one of the most remarkable transformations in film history. Producer Clark Peterson recalled the first time he saw Theron in character:
“The first day of camera tests, a woman walked past everyone who we thought was the stand-in for Charlize. And I remember thinking, ‘Huh, she really looks like Aileen.’ And it was only after a while that I realized it was Charlize. The contact lenses, her hair, somehow she assumed this character so thoroughly that it just consumed her body language and speech and bearing. It was truly remarkable to witness.”
To achieve this transformation, Theron gained weight, wore prosthetic teeth, and altered her mannerisms. Despite her deep commitment to the role, she suggests an ability to maintain a healthy detachment from the character, stating:
“I go to my trailer, I take my makeup off, and I go home…”
Her performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress and was praised by critic Roger Ebert as “one of the greatest performances in the history of the cinema.”
Themes and Narrative Depth
Rather than portraying Wuornos solely as a cold-blooded killer, Monster delves into themes of survival, trauma, love, and morality. It presents her with more depth and nuance than many previous media portrayals, humanizing her struggles without excusing her crimes.
Patty Jenkins’ Approach to the Story
In her directorial debut, Patty Jenkins chose to focus on the human aspects of Wuornos’ life rather than sensationalizing the violence. The film emphasizes her desperate attempts to find stability and happiness, as illustrated in one of Wuornos’ lines: “I’ll be a veterinarian… be president!” These fleeting hopes contrast starkly with the grim reality of her existence, and her attempts at getting regular employment are some of the funniest and darkest, most humiliating moments of the film.
Critical Acclaim, Legacy, and a Companion Piece
Monster received widespread critical acclaim for its raw storytelling and Theron’s performance. The film was recognized with numerous awards and nominations, earning its place in cinematic history. While it is “inspired by true events,” some elements were dramatized for storytelling purposes.
For those interested in the real-life case, the documentary Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer (2003) provides further insight. Notably, this documentary is listed in 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, edited by Steven Schneider.
Meanwhile, on a more personal note, I have to say this documentary visits Aileen’s mother in the small Michigan city of Calumet, which is about 12 miles from where I live. That makes Aileen’s story a little more real to me, and this documentary takes a more unflinching look at some of Aileen’s hardships growing up (some of which were not mentioned in the film), while also examining some of the scandals involved in her trial (including alleged movie deals that threatened to taint the case).
Closing Arguments
Monster remains a powerful and haunting portrayal of Aileen Wuornos’ life, offering a perspective that is both unsettling and deeply human. Through Theron’s transformative performance and Jenkins’ thoughtful direction, the film challenges audiences to grapple with the complexities of crime, justice, and personal suffering. The end result makes the movie seem a little less exploitative, while simultaneously not denying that she really did commit violent crimes.
