Monster (2003), Patty Jenkins

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Genre: Drama
Overall Rating:

(out of 5)

I feel like I say this a lot, but it takes a certain type of person to be able to appreciate this film.  A lot of what happens goes against most people's standards, and therefore can irk some people so bad they'll turn the movie off.  This is definitely one of the most unique films I have ever seen, and if you've experienced some "hard" times in your life, this will multiply that by 20. 

The Story:

(out of 5)

1 Point: Interesting

2 Points: Original

1 Point: Unpredictable

1 Point: OMGZ

A hardened prostitute meets a cast out lesbian at a gay bar and starts an unlikely friendship.  The prostitute tries to provide for the two of them through her job, but through one unfortunate violent experience, she begins a descent into madness.

Characters:

(out of 5)

1 Point: Well-Played

1 Point: Original

1 Point: Relatable

1 Point: Emotional Attachment

1 Point: OMGZ

Aileen (Charlize Theron): You would not believe that Aileen and Charlize are the same person.  In order to play this role, Charlize had to gain a lot of weight and go through a huge transformation.  This is the boyish prostitute.

Selby (Christina Ricci): A confused and cast out lesbian, she falls for Aileen and runs away from home in hopes of a romantic new life.

Believability:

(out of 5)

1 Point: No Disbelief

1 Point: Well-Explained

1 Point: Characters Fit Conceivably

1 Point: Not Foolishly Omniscient

1 Point: OMGZ

This is based on a true story.  Scary, eh?  This movie tells a believable and part true tale, and keeps your jaw dropped the entire time.

Weight:

(out of 5)
1 Point: Relatable Lives
1 Point: Relatable Choices
1 Point: "Wow" Moments
1 Point: Lasting
1 Point: OMGZ

This is definitely weighty, more for some than for others. I wouldn't go so far as to say its easy to relate to their lives, but I think we can imagine that we might make some of the same choices/mistakes if put in the same situations. There were numerous moments where I just said "no way. wtf" and felt like turning the movie off because it was just so... shocking.

Visual:

(out of 5)
2 Points: Visual Quality
1 Point: Unique Visual Perspective
1 Point: Special Effects
1 Point: OMGZ

This was a pretty straight forward movie, created beautifully.  Its more psychological than visual.