Monster -- Movie Review

Monster is the story of Eileen Wuornos, Daytona Beach prostitute who became a serial killer. This movie doesn't glorify the killings that she did, but rather gives a glimpse into the background and the possible things that lead her to those fateful decisions.

It is convenient to think of evil in terms of black and white. It is a scarier proposition to think that each of us has the seeds of evil within us and that in that right circumstances, each of us could do horrific things. Our society would be better if we tried a little harder to identify with that class at the bottom rung of the social ladder. When you grow up in white-bread America with a roof over your head and 3 meals a day, it is hard to identify with those that were not blessed with those things.

The performance by Charlize Theron is nothing short of one of the most amazing acting jobs by a female in recent memory. Even without taking into consideration the amazing physical transformation (gaining of 30 lbs and making ugly one of the most beautiful women in the world), this is still a fantastic performance.

The movie is similar to Boys Don't Cry(beyond the obvious lesbian love story angle) in several senses. It involves phenomenal female acting performances by actresses that you would not have previously thought capable of such depth: Hilary Swank in Boys Don't Cry and Theron in Monster. In addition, they are supported by equally great acting performances by the love interest; Chloe Sevigny in Boys Don't Cry and Christina Ricci in Monster. Plus,both movies effectively examine that fringe part of society that most of us don't want to admit is there.

Monster is a very good movie with great acting peformances. It is not an easy movie to watch and you'll probably want to follow it up with something a little less weighty but I believe you will be glad you watched Monster.