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Charlize Theron, Christina Ricci, Bruce Dern, Scott Wilson, Pruitt Taylor Vince ... see more see more... , Lee Tergesen , Annie Corley , Bubba Baker , Marc Macaulay , Brett Rice , Marco St. John , Robb Chamberlain , Catherine Mangan , Pruitt Tayor Vince

Model-turned-actress Charlize Theron leaves her glamorous image behind for this gritty drama, in which she plays a disturbed prostitute who becomes a serial killer. Aileen Wuornos (Theron) was a woman... read more read more... who survived a brutal and abusive childhood in Michigan to become a thick-skinned but emotionally damaged adult. Homeless most of her life, Wuornos subsisted by working as a street prostitute; later, when she was in Florida, down to her last five dollars and pondering suicide, she stopped into a bar for a beer. There, Aileen met Selby Wall (Christina Ricci), a woman in her early twenties who had been sent to live with relatives after her Christian parents became aware of her lesbian lifestyle. Selby is immediately attracted to Aileen, and while Aileen tells Selby she's never been in a lesbian relationship, she soon finds herself equally infatuated with her. Selby runs away from her family and moves into a cheap hotel with Aileen, who initially pays the bills by hooking. However, as their money runs low and Aileen finds herself unable to land a regular job, tensions mount between the two. One night, after a john attacks her, Aileen pulls a gun and kills the man. Although her first murder can be categorized as self-defense, Aileen's loathing for the men who pay her for sex becomes so extreme that she begins killing her customers regardless of their behavior. Meanwhile, Selby slowly becomes aware of the full extent of her lover's instability and the bloody consequences of her actions. Monster was inspired by the true story of Aileen Wuornos, whose life and death was chronicled in two documentaries by filmmaker Nick Broomfield, Aileen Wuornos: The Selling of a Serial Killer, and Aileen: The Life and Death of a Serial Killer. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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77% liked it

79,778 ratings

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82% liked it

183 critics

R, 1 hr. 49 min.

Directed by: Patty Jenkins

Release Date: January 9, 2004

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DVD Release Date: June 1, 2004

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Stats: 4,826 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (4,826)

  • Callahan441
    December 21, 2011
    Callahan441
    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 ... read morecharacter. 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.
  • aquateen2
    December 19, 2011
    aquateen2
    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 act... read moreing. This movie is emotionally wrenching. I was crying through out this beautifully graphic masterpiece out of joy and sadness.
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    September 1, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    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... read more 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.
  • CloudStrife84
    June 27, 2011
    CloudStrife84
    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... read more, 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
    May 28, 2011
    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 self-de... read morestructs in trying to seek a second chance for her and her love.
  • stevenecarrier
    April 16, 2011
    stevenecarrier
    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 mo... read moreved 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.
  • lewiskendell
    December 8, 2010
    lewiskendell
    "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 thos... read moree 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.
  • TheGame90
    November 29, 2010
    TheGame90
    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
  • Deano78
    October 10, 2010
    Deano78
    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.
  • FrizzDrop
    August 2, 2010
    FrizzDrop
    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.

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Critic Reviews

Andrew Sarris
January 21, 2004
Andrew Sarris, New York Observer

Ms. Theron has ventured far beyond mere surface impersonation -- although that is startling enough -- to an insightful penetration of her subject's psyche. Full Review

Geoff Pevere
January 16, 2004
Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star

In the same way the beefed-up Theron fills the movie's tightly composed frames to bursting while pushing everything else to the margins, her showstopping rage blows through film like a tornado. Full Review

Roger Moore
January 16, 2004
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel

Brutal, brilliant, depressing and riveting. Full Review

Eric Harrison
January 16, 2004
Eric Harrison, Houston Chronicle

If the film is a bit too soft on its subject, it is even more taken with its leading lady. Theron overwhelms. Full Review

Liam Lacey
January 16, 2004
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail

The hype around the film Monster is justified by the performance of Charlize Theron. Full Review

Robert Denerstein
January 16, 2004
Robert Denerstein, Denver Rocky Mountain News

First-time director Patty Jenkins takes us inside a year in Wuornos' turbulent life, building her movie around Theron's dynamite performance, raw, exposed and nerve-wracking in its immediacy.

Lisa Kennedy
January 16, 2004
Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post

[An] intricate and tender movie. Full Review

Bill Muller
January 15, 2004
Bill Muller, Arizona Republic

[Theron] captures the essence of the woman, a lifelong victim who preys on her customers with the determined sadness of someone who has finally snapped inside.

Peter Travers
January 15, 2004
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

There's Theron, like a force of nature, compelling us to go beyond TV-movie supposition and look Wuornos straight in the eye.

Colin Covert
January 15, 2004
Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune

Theron digs so deep into her doomed character that it's impossible not to feel empathy. Full Review

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    • Aileen Wuornos: Love conquers all. Every cloud has a silver lining. Faith can move mountains. Love will always find a way. Everything happens for a reason. Where there is life, there is hope.
    • Aileen Wuornos: [laughs]
    • Aileen Wuornos: Oh, well... They gotta tell you somethin'.
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