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| alitar (profile) wrote, on 3-28-2004 at 11:52pm | |
| Watched Monster on Wednesday with Mel. That was one of the most brutal movies I have seen in a while. Basic storyline: True story of serial killer Aileen Wurner who was brutally raped by one of her johns in one of the most traumatizing scenes I have ever witnessed, or not witnessed, as I hid behind my hands and listened to the horrible screams. She shots him dead, and goes home to her lover played by Christine Ricci, who selfishly urges her to continue as a prostitute to earn money. So Aileen continues, but is so thoroughly affected by the rape that she begins to view all men as threatening monsters, and goes on a killing spree, losing the ability to differentiate between right and wrong, and killing a number of harmless men. Charlize Theron plays the complex main character. Aileen was poorly treated as child by her family and by boys, no childhood friends. She has a naive, powerful sense of hope that over the movie becomes extremely painful to watch; it was probably a survival instinct developed in the rough early years as a coping mechanism, but as an adult who is mentally falling apart, that hope leads to heavy delusion. She's desperate to keep her lover happy, and overcompensates by hooking and killing for money. The movie very sympathically portrays her as someone who is looking for the love and acceptance she has never had. Finally she's found it with Ricci's character, she thinks, but it's obvious that their relationship was borne out of loneliness and desperation. Aileen is selfish with Ricci's affections, unwilling to share her with anyone else. Ricci is immature and childish, looking for a fun time with someone who will take care of her, but she is unwilling to help Aileen support their lifestyle. I believe that Ricci genuinely loves Aileen, but doesn't understand the emotional toil of her prostitution, rape, and escalating murders, and won't assume any responsibility whatsoever. There is a strong protector/protected element to their relationship that contributes to Aileen's ultimate breakdown; the responsibility is too much. Charlize Theron portrays a very different character from her usual roles, and succeeds in giving us a sad, eternally hopeful woman whose life ends in great tragedy. Ricci's character is much more one-note, and simple, but the innocence, wide-eyed wonder, petulance and growing internal conflict as she watches Aileen continue her killings is very well portrayed. The relationship is strong, and the escalating tensions are deeply felt. I have rarely been so unsettled and disturbed for such a long period of time. Life is Beautiful had a similar effect; I was bawling through most of movie, but it was more poignantly tragic than brutally violent. I couldn't watch as Aileen began killing more and more irrationally, and couldn't stomach the scenes with her numerous johns. This movie was effective, but extremely empathetic to Aileen; lack of love from childhood, rape, and inconsistent affection from a highly immature, demanding and dependent lover contributed to a tragic loss of sanity for a character who otherwise could have been something good. I realize that this movie's value lies in the attempt to understand her actions, recognize that she wasn't a monster, just someone deeply scarred by repeated abuse. However, at times that angle was somewhat heavy-handed, as if nothing was her fault; that she was driven to madness by circumstances beyond her control. Yes, while that is a valid view, the fact remains that Aileen had the choice to not kill those men, and let her rationale and sanity slip. Her first killing was self-defense, her last was cold-blooded murder. Very memorable, and deeply disturbing. 3.5 stars. Citizen Kane is regarded by many as the greatest movie ever made. It's the study of the title character after his death through a series of stories told by five or six (can't remember) people who were involved in his life. Excellently executed narrative device; I love non-linear storytelling that forces me to piece together the plot myself. A lot of interesting, innovative techniques used, not of all which I understand, but all of which I can appreciate. Made in 1942, no doubt influenced a ton of movies made thereafter. I admired it, didn't love it because I wasn't very emotionally invested, but I'm definitely rewatching this later in life, when I know more about filmmaking as an art form. 4 stars. I went home with weekend, spent Saturday with Aleha walking downtown. Fabulous evening, great conversation. I miss her a lot. Everytime I see a very good friend these days it just serves to remind me of how crappy Western is. I'm okay most of time; I can neatly arrange my days by reading or watching movies, but I rarely get the chance to interact with people whom I can really talk to. 4 weeks until summer. Thank the lord. Alias is back to its usual season 3 suckage. Guess I spoke too soon last week. Pacing awful, dialogue chunky, acting horrible. Oh, but David Anders can do no wrong. Him and Djimon Hounson sharing the screen? Sweet jesus. HOT. I'm so disappointed my delicious Sark didn't join Bomani in his underwater fun. How could they have missed the boat to stick David Anders in a wetsuit? Djimon, do me a favour and can back soon. And baby? Ditch the shirt. You have a killer, wicked bod. |
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gbk | 03-31-04 1:50am argh. I have to re-type my comment because i didn't log in. that's so annoying.
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alitar | Re:, 04-01-04 12:43am GBK!!! AH!! Haven't heard from you in so long!! I had seriously NO time last weekend. I'll be home next Thursday, for almost a week, so if you're not in exams, let's meet somewhere! Great to hear from you! Email me your phone number for residence, ok? Or icq it or something, I can call you! |