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Monster
(Reviewed January 4, 2004)
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Interesting character study of real-life serial killer Aileen Wuornos (excellently played by Charlize Theron, fattened and uglied up to look like Gary Busey's white-trash sister) and girlfriend Selby (Christina
Ricci, spookily evoking Wednesday Addams gone quietly evil). Even though many elements of Wuornos' story have been altered and at least one character is entirely fictional, the movie is relentlessly
fascinating, with my pick for the best-written ending of any movie this year.
The only unfortunate thing about "Monster" is that Theron actually did pack on the pounds to "flab up" for the role. In the same way that I would be offended if a great artist smeared feces on his
masterpiece, I'm always angered, confused and depressed when women with stunningly beautiful bodies ruin themselves this way. In a world where Eddie ("The Nutty Professor") Murphy and Mike (Fat
Bastard in "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me"), to name two quick examples, can wear makeup to play obese characters, it is tragic to see knockouts like Theron (or Renee Zellweger in the
"Bridget Jones" movies) balloon themselves up to Rosie O'Donnell proportions for the sake of their craft. Even if they lose the weight later, it's unlikely they ever can look as good as they did before
grossly distorting their formely fantastic flesh. (And before somebody yells "sexist," I thought DeNiro was just as nuts for gorging himself into obesity for "Raging Bull.")
Still, this is a damned good movie.
Back Row Grade: B+
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