Monster-Almost Scarier than Randy Newman's Score of Monsters Inc.
Every now and then a special film comes along that touches you heart with its sweet, gentle view of real love at its simplest, most base level and Monster is just such a movie. Oops, that is Monsters Inc., which is actually a helluva a lot scarier due the Randy Newman music. But they do manage to make Theron who plays serial killer and prostitute Aileen Wuornos who kills many of the men who pick up off the street for sex. Theron, combined with the physical transformation she undergoes for the part really elevate what could have been a very good movie with a solid script to a very memorable film.
It is difficult to underscore how extreme the transformation happens to be. In fact Theron looks almost as scary, even in HD, as some of the monsters in Monsters Inc. This is definitely not the hot Theron you have grown accustomed to seeing on the screen. Somehow they made Theron the scariest looking beast since Jar-Jar. This twisted transformation is itself enough of a reason to check this flick out. Okay, but enough about the superficial, which in this case really isn't that superficial for it is crucial for Theron's transformation to Aileen.
Theron's performance is still flat out one of the best performances in recent memory and no doubt makes her into a star. Simply put it is one of those rare performances that is probably, in reality, better than people will be able to convey. Every second Theron is on screen she is earing her paycheck. If she goes through the motion anywhere in the film, I certainly didn't catch it. In word, impressive. Christina Ricci's excellent performance as Shelby Walls, Aileen Wuornos' lover, should not go unnoticed. The chemistry between the two is outstanding and never seems forced. Monster is an excellent example of not needing the budget of Monsters Inc. to make a engrossing (don't you love when film critics use this word, it makes them sound educated) and riveting (they also like this word a lot because they realize that it might be used in a commercial or poster) film.
Director and writer Patty Jenkins has a special movie on her hands that will, eventually, probably be seen as one of the best “small” films of our era, yeah, its that good. The film sticks with you for days afterwards, and yes it does so with something of a bad taste in your mouth, it is nonetheless unforgettable. This is one of those films that is guaranteed to stir some debate as some will say Jenkins portrayal of Wuornos is too sympathetic, while others will say it is not sympathetic enough. I leave that call up to you and will only say that you should agree Jenkins and the strong acting performance of Theron underscores the complexities of the situation.
Story A
Acting A+
Visuals A (Theron's transformation has quite the visual impact and resonance-another word film critics like.)
Originality/Innovation A-
Enjoyability Grade A
Home Theater/HD Factor B+
Overall Grade A
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