Charlize Theron delivers a knockout, cast-against-type performance in this gritty drama, based on the true story of Aileen Wuornos, a down and out prostitute who was sentenced to death after killing six men between 1989 and 1990. Christina Ricci costars as Selby Wall, a lesbian runaway who forms a romantic bond with Wuornos. Inspired by her love (even though she is not gay, strictly speaking) Wuornos tries to get a real job, but after meeting with a string of humiliating failures, she returns to work as a hitchhiking hooker, killing her first victim in self-defense after he rapes and beats her. Eventually, robbing and murdering her clients becomes almost second nature and by the end Wuornos even slays a man who was totally innocent (Scott Wilson). Theron's portrayal of this dangerous yet sympathetic character ranks with some of the greatest performances in cinema. Under heavy makeup, extra weight, and a snarling countenance, she proves herself a fearless, formidable talent, completely unrecognizable from the glamorous beauty of such films as THE ITALIAN JOB (2003) and THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE (1997). First-time director Patty Jenkins proves herself with this fluid and engrossing work, capturing a lot of sordid detail that other movies exploring this milieu might miss; she also wrote the script, based on actual conversations and prison letters from Wuornos. The moody, paranoia-enhancing soundtrack is by electronica maestro BT.

Theatrical Release: DECEMBER 24, 2003 (NY)
DECEMBER 26, 2003 (LA/SF)

DVD Features:

Region 1
Widescreen - 1.85
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
Subtitles - English, Spanish

Charlize Theron: American actress, MONSTER
Christina Ricci: American Actress
Bruce Dern: American actor, COMING HOME
Scott Wilson: American Character Actor
Pruitt Taylor Vince: Supporting Actor
Annie Corley: Actress
Lee Tergesen: Actor, HBO Series OZ

Patty Jenkins: Director, MONSTER (2003)

Charlize Theron: American actress, MONSTER
Matt Damon: American actor, screenwriter, GOOD WILL HUNTING (1997)
Clark Peterson: 
Donald Kushner: Producer
Brad Wyman: 

Patty Jenkins: Director, MONSTER (2003)

 BT: Composer, STEALTH (2005)

"[Theron's] raw and riveting performance make MONSTER an experience you won't forget."
"Theron gets beneath the skin of Wuornos and finds her tortured humanity."
"Patty Jenkins' script and direction are grim and gristly. Superb."
"Theron gets everything out of clearly her best role to date."
"[Theron] becomes Aileen Wuornos....This isn't just a performance, it's an act of obsession..."
"Theron has given one of America's favorite nightmare figures a human face..."
"What Charlize Theron achieves in Patty Jenkins' MONSTER isn't a performance but an embodiment. With courage, art and charity, she empathizes with Aileen Wuornos."
"[Theron's] unforgettable performance recalls Hilary Swank's Oscar-winning turn in BOYS DON'T CRY..."