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By
Keston Huntington
Dec
2004
When
we first wrote about Charlize Theron being cast as Aileen
Wournos (The infamous lesbian serial killer) we were amused.
Positively enthusiastic and hopeful, but still amused. You
can read that article here http://www.lezbeout.com/theMonster_000.htm.
With little hope we actually gave her kudos for taking on
such a mentally challenging role, for gaining 20 to 30 pounds,
wearing prosthetic teeth and transforming her appearance into
Wournos. But, we wondered, could she actually pull the
acting off?
Here
we are now in December on the eve of the movie's premiere
and from what critic's are saying, not ONLY did Charlize pull
it off, but her performance is, as hard nosed film critic
Roger Ebert states
"One
of the best performances in the history of cinema"
and the praises go on and on....
"She
evokes the mind and soul of this woman, in a presence so focused
and so intense and so true that although she is a monster,
we feel deep sympathy for her"
Honestly,
the praises go on and on.
So,
Charlize's transformation pays off. What we didn't tell you
is that Charlize also took a big risk and produced the movie
as well. Ok, now we know why she was cast. Charlize Theron
wasn't afraid to take on this controversial role and from
what critics are saying she portrayed Wournos not as just
a "Monster" but also for the victim she herself
was. A misguided and abused soul whom was always looking for
someone to love her, yet did horrendous unforgivable acts.
While
Wournos was not truly a lesbian, she did find love with a
woman (played by Chritina Ricci), only to be betrayed again.
The Monster does not portray lesbianism in a good light, but
it certainly was not meant to glamorize lesbianism either.
Wournos's lesbianism is portrayed as a matter of fact and
is not the core to the movie. Hopefully right winged
christian groups will not ignorantly use the movie as an excuse
to pursecute gays any more than they already do.
Interestingly
enough, Charlize never met Aileen Wournos. She was executed
daya before Charlize had the opportunity. Upon the thought
of actually meeting Wournos, Charlize expressed apprehension,
she "wouldn't know how to talk to a woman who had remained
so unrepentant".
I wonder what Wournos would think, now?
Click
here to see a trailer for the film
ExtraTv's
interview with Theron
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