Monster (2003)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Jack H

  
  What a tortured life this woman led; a life of inferiority, confusion, violence, victimisation, prostitution, anger and ultimately, murder. Charlize Theron's utter transformation is what drives this film, her performance and physical emulation perfectly conveying the pain of her… More
  What a tortured life this woman led; a life of inferiority, confusion, violence, victimisation, prostitution, anger and ultimately, murder. Charlize Theron's utter transformation is what drives this film, her performance and physical emulation perfectly conveying the pain of her character. Personally, I feel the Oscars are a farce, but this performance truly deserved commendation. 'Monster' is the story of Aileen Wuornos, a prostitute from Florida who murdered seven men over the period of a year. The film gives a very human representation of Wuornos. One might think that the film's title would suggest otherwise; Wuornos was indeed a 'monster' in her final years, but the film's emphasis on the brutal, relentless path that led to her first killing shows the architecture of such a creation. But not for a second, I hasten to add, does the film condone her violence, she isn't glorified and she isn't vilified either, the film is so very downbeat and visceral that it would be impossible for anyone to be allured by it. 'Monster' is by no means the tale of one woman standing up against chauvinist pigs; her truly harrowing tale of nature, nurture and the consequences of violence is impartially told. The film reflects on Wurnos' childhood, a time of sexual favours, inadequacy, rape and beatings. A narrative gap, which misses a dubious failed marriage and numerous arrests, presents the viewer with a sorry picture, a woman who washes in petrol station toilets; a woman who is desperately trying to make ends meet. She then meets a companion, the vulnerable Selby Moore. It's at this point that the film strays from the facts; 'Selby Moore' is a fictional character, very loosely based, especially in appearance, to Tyria Moore, Wuornos' lover until her execution. The pair, who have moved in together, live off Wuornos' prostitution wage until their relationship is complicated by Moore's discovery of Wuornos' taste for violence. The film depicts the first murder as Wuornos described it; self defence. Her first victim was Richard Mallory, a convicted rapist. Aileen stated that he raped and savaged her, so she shot him. I'm digressing slightly, but I believe this to be true; Mallory would've thought Wuornos to be trash, expendable social underclass who would be an easy thrill with no consequences. I respect that the scene was orchestrated in this manner. Monster is a stark and balanced insight into the frankly miserable life of Aileen Wuornos. Everyone is given one life; Aileen Wuornos was given hers.

• Directors C

  
  Where to start? Charlize Theron and Christina Ricci are possibly the best screen couple i've ever seen in my life. No offence meant, but Theron literally transformed doing this role into something she's not. And I actually believed that she WAS Aileen. Thats what I call… More
  Where to start? Charlize Theron and Christina Ricci are possibly the best screen couple i've ever seen in my life. No offence meant, but Theron literally transformed doing this role into something she's not. And I actually believed that she WAS Aileen. Thats what I call solid acting. This movie is emotionally wrenching. I was crying through out this beautifully graphic masterpiece out of joy and sadness.

• Jeff "

  
  Monster is probably one of the most solid performances by an actress ever put on film. Charlize Theron proves that though she's had a few mishaps in her career, she's able to display an amazing performance and proves she's an excellent actress. This film tells the true… More
  Monster is probably one of the most solid performances by an actress ever put on film. Charlize Theron proves that though she's had a few mishaps in her career, she's able to display an amazing performance and proves she's an excellent actress. This film tells the true life story of Aileen Wournos, one of America's first woman serial killers. Monster is a frightening character study into the mind of a troubled individual. Charlize Theron hands down delivers the greatest performance of her career. I thought she was phenomenal in her portrayal of Wournos. The film is one of the best drama films that I've seen, and Theron's performance makes this film worth seeing. Monster is a disturbing film that makes you feel uncomfortable. The story is solid and what you have here is one memorable drama film. Charlize Theron was excellent and definitely deserved her Oscar. A stunning and disturbing performance, Theron made this film unique and it's a film that will become engrained in your memory long after you've seen it. I thought this film was terrific with a well developed story, great directing, but above all a show stealing performance by Charlize Theron. Monster is a riveting, astounding and engrossing film. This is one of those films that the strength of the cast alone can make this film worth watching. Monster manages to show why some people have motives to do these horrible crimes, and through Theron's performance, you really get a sense of that. A must see film that shouldn't be passed up.

• Mike S

  
  Compelling and unforgettable! This movie hooked me in from its very first scene, and kept me in a trance for its entire two hours. I thought this would be one of those overrated critics' favourites, but it was actually way better than I had imagined. What makes this film so… More
  Compelling and unforgettable! This movie hooked me in from its very first scene, and kept me in a trance for its entire two hours. I thought this would be one of those overrated critics' favourites, but it was actually way better than I had imagined. What makes this film so great, is not the directing, nor the story (although those factors hold superb quality as well), but the powerful and riveting performances by Charlize Theron and Christina Ricci. The Best Actress-Oscar Theron received was well-deserved in the least. It's an unusual love story, full of drama, intrigues and emotional potency. Even though Theron's character does some unspeakable things - stuff that makes the stomach churn and leaves you seriously disturbed - I found myself deeply invested into the outcome of her story. This movie is not for everyone, as it's very unconventional and quite depressing. But I loved it for its uniqueness, and that it gave me something that I hadn't really seen before. A superb drama altogether, that shocks, engrosses and leaves you with something to think about.

• c0up  

  
  'Monster'. An unbelievable transformation by Charlize Theron, from the obvious change in physical appearance to the many mannerisms and completely different personality she takes on, that really make you feel for a woman that has been dealt a hard initial hand by Life and… More
  'Monster'. An unbelievable transformation by Charlize Theron, from the obvious change in physical appearance to the many mannerisms and completely different personality she takes on, that really make you feel for a woman that has been dealt a hard initial hand by Life and self-destructs in trying to seek a second chance for her and her love.

• Steven C

  
  I didn't find "Monster" as shocking as most because Patty Jenkins goes out of her way to make this an utterly human story; which ultimately makes this, in some way, relatable. While there is no denying the horrible acts that Aileen Wuornos committed, I appreciated and… More
  I didn't find "Monster" as shocking as most because Patty Jenkins goes out of her way to make this an utterly human story; which ultimately makes this, in some way, relatable. While there is no denying the horrible acts that Aileen Wuornos committed, I appreciated and was very moved by the portrayal of circumstance. Aileen didn't just wake up one day and decide to start killing. She is an extremely traumatized woman who had a complete psychological snap during a last ditch effort to find love and acceptance. I, nor the film, commends her actions, but knowing the context from which the violence stems make it's heartbreaking. As much as Jenkins is to praise for the films outcome, Charlize Theron (in an Oscar winning role) is equally tremendous. Theron mentally and physically channels Aileen in a way actors only dream. "Monster" may have it's faults due to it's extremely low budget, but Jenkins' directing and screenplay, Theron's ferocious performance and BT's psychologically complex score more than make up for it. "Monster" is one of the most emotional films about a serial killer ever committed to film.

• Lewis C

  
  "In my life, it's always been the harmless stuff that hurts the most. Whereas the things so horrible you can't even imagine it, is usually a lot easier than you think." Monster is a dark, unpleasant, ugly movie about one of America's first female serial… More
  "In my life, it's always been the harmless stuff that hurts the most. Whereas the things so horrible you can't even imagine it, is usually a lot easier than you think." Monster is a dark, unpleasant, ugly movie about one of America's first female serial killers. I don't say those things in a negative manner, because those attributes were intentional, and help tell the story in the realistic way that (writer and director) Patty Jenkins was aiming for. I usually have little interest in movies like this, but there were two reasons why it ended up being somewhat worthwhile for me. First, Jenkins tries to show the circumstances of the life and crimes Aileen Wuornos without condemning or excusing her. She was a woman who had lived a life of horrible events and circumstances, and that context helps the movie be more interesting than your average flick about serial killers. The second reason was the performances of the two lead actresses. Both Christina Ricci and Charlize Theron were amazing, but Theron really gave one of those "once in a lifetime" performances. She completely disappeared into her character in a way that's incredibly difficult to do for a mega-famous actor or actress. And it took quite a toll on her during filming, which you can see if you check out the special features included with the DVD. As I said, this isn't the kind of movie I usually go for, but it was obvious even to me that Monster is a cut above most movies in the genre. Don't hesitate to check it out if it sounds like something that would interest you, and even if it doesn't, you might want to see it just for the outstanding performances.

• Martin S

  
  This was pretty interesting....true story you know. I think Charlize deserved her Oscar (and Martin Award). Cause it's not just the makeup....She is really living the role...And Ricci wasn't bad either

• Dean !

  
  A great acting performance from Charlize Theron is what stand out the most. Telling the true story and sad decline of a prostitute turned serial killer. I think that fact it's based on a true story makes it more interesting, however the story as such is quite straight forward.

• Spencer S

  
  Ricci and Theron were in their element, taking the bull by the horns and showing their true colors. It's not often that happens in such a true account of awful events.

• Anthony L

  
  Charlize Theron thoroughly deserved her Oscar for this one as it wasn?t just her make-up that made her convincing, she really got into the part!

• Dan S

  
  A dark, disgusting, yet utterly convincing story concerning the life of a very disturbed human being. The transformation of the beautiful Theron to an ugly, beaten-down prostitute is one of the more remarkable and heroic transformations I've seen recently (with an honorable… More
  A dark, disgusting, yet utterly convincing story concerning the life of a very disturbed human being. The transformation of the beautiful Theron to an ugly, beaten-down prostitute is one of the more remarkable and heroic transformations I've seen recently (with an honorable mention going to Christian Bale in "The Machinist"). Her performance commands your attention, as it chronicles the reason why real-life serial killer Aileen Wuornos committed seven murders. One of the more powerful movies I've seen recently, but without a doubt not for everybody. The last murder Theron commits in the film is one of the most depressing and heart-wrenching acts I've seen in a movie. This film has a good chance of sticking with you long after you watch it.

• Nani V

  
  Charlize Theron was awesome! A sad sad story in every way possible, but good movie.

• E.J. B

  
  I found it extremely hard to sympathize with the main character. This is mainly a showcase for Charlize Theron's acting ability, the only reason this picture has any merit.

• Lady D

  
  Charlize Theron really pulled out all the stops when playing the role of Aileen Wuornos in this film. Apart from the huge physical transformation Charlize went through to look like Aileen, she studied everything about her - mannerisms, the way she talked, how she acted toward people,… More
  Charlize Theron really pulled out all the stops when playing the role of Aileen Wuornos in this film. Apart from the huge physical transformation Charlize went through to look like Aileen, she studied everything about her - mannerisms, the way she talked, how she acted toward people, this has to be one of the most researched roles and most accurate impersonations ever to have been put into a performance, something (as you can probably tell) impressed me a lot. The story isn?t told from the day of the first murder up to trial, but instead gives you a real background on Aileen Wuornos? life, from a young girl, up to and including the time of the killings. I guess no-one can really know the whole truth to this story, but it certainly indicates that perhaps had some kind of different upbringing and not encountered many of the problems that she had, these may have been avoided circumstances. Anyone who doesn?t know about the real story and is interested should check out the documentaries by Nick Broomfield ? ?Aileen ? Life and Death of a serial killer? and ?Aileen ? The selling of a serial killer?.

• Curtis L

  
  It still amazes me that someone as hot as Theron can be made up to be so freaking hideous. So totally nails white trashism and makes for a great man killer. The movie is good, but I mostly just stared at her creepy face the whole time in utter awe.

• Sophie B

  
  A good movie with a great cast. It really highlights what goes on and what bad things can happen. Charlize was awesome as I really hated yet felt sorry for Aileen. They could however have shown more of the trial and speed the beginning up to the first murder. Although it was quite… More
  A good movie with a great cast. It really highlights what goes on and what bad things can happen. Charlize was awesome as I really hated yet felt sorry for Aileen. They could however have shown more of the trial and speed the beginning up to the first murder. Although it was quite good anyway, the boring beginning knocked a star off.

• Lorenzo v

  
  Make no doubt about it, this movie will leave you speechless. There is no way to prepare you for it. I can tell you about it, but it doesn't do justice the power of this film. Don't forget to breathe. Charlize Theron gives the best performance in the history of cinema, and I… More
  Make no doubt about it, this movie will leave you speechless. There is no way to prepare you for it. I can tell you about it, but it doesn't do justice the power of this film. Don't forget to breathe. Charlize Theron gives the best performance in the history of cinema, and I would know, because I've seen the history of cinema. Don't read more about this film, just see it. You'll understand when you're done.

• Michael S

  
  It disturbed me. Great film...just can't watch it all that often.

• Drew S

  
  Bla bla bla Charlize Theron is amazing. Yes, everyone's said it. Her performance is searing and convincing and the movie probably wouldn't have succeeded without it. Maybe the movie isn't incredibly sharp, but you forget about all its weaknesses and its occasional… More
  Bla bla bla Charlize Theron is amazing. Yes, everyone's said it. Her performance is searing and convincing and the movie probably wouldn't have succeeded without it. Maybe the movie isn't incredibly sharp, but you forget about all its weaknesses and its occasional sappiness when said sap is being delivered by Theron. She is just too damn believable in this role. It doesn't feel like a script - it feels like her true emotions. A whiny Christina Ricci and sporadically limp directing hack at the film's armor a little, but it's undoubtedly worth seeing.

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