My review is about the Charlize Theron starrer Monster that clinched her the best actress award this year at the Oscars. I am sorry for writing it in this section but I could not find the title on the list.
Monster revolves around the true story of Eileen Wilson (played by Charlize Theron) who was a prostitute-turned serial killer and was executed in the USA. The film tracks her journey from being a street prostitute to being a serial killer after being abused a couple of times by miscreants and also on her lesbain relationship with a teenage drifter (Winona Ryder).
Monster is not pleasent viewing by any stretch of imagination. At its most tame- there is an element of morbidity and dreariness that is unrelenting. At its pioganant moments, it is extremely disturbing and heart-wrenching and can leave even the most hardened viewer highly distraught. The film maintains a docu-drama feel capturing the mid-west setting with utmost presicion and contributes to the overall effect.
The film has a no-holds bar approach whether it be in depicting the lesbain relationship or in terms of the abuse. It is unrelenting in its expose of Eileen Wilson’s life.
The performances really are the mainstay of Monster. Charlize Theron is stupendous. She completely transforms herself physically as well as mentally into her role. and delivers what is one of the finest performances seen in a long time. Her performance is so overpowering that it is quite clear that the director in many scenes just focuses on her raw acting and sidelines the montage. Winona Ryder too is highly effective in her role.
Monster, in other words is difficult viewing. It is highly rivetting but certainly not pleasent. Definately not a movie you would like to watch on a Sunday afternoon to have a laugh with your friends.
Was it enjoyable? No.
However, cinematic experiences are not always meant to be pleasant. Hence, my rating.
WARNING: Monster contains some highly disturbing subject matters as well as scenes of graphic and suggestive violence which many may find disturbing. Certainly not for the kids and strong viewer discretion is advised.