Review of Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer (2003) by Manny C — 11 Mar 2011
If you were totally fascinated by Charlize Theron's Oscar-winning performance as Aileen Wuornos--executed in 2002 for murdering seven men--in Monster, then this documentary from Nick Broomfield and Joan Churchill is for you.
It's essential viewing. For one, Aileen's actual performance as herself trumps anything Theron ever accomplished. Aileen was a truck stop hooker who claimed she killed out of self-defense. This doc serves as a searing indictment of America's justice system, and it delivers.
The Aileen on display in a final interview showcases a shattered soul that will haunt your dreams. Despite her mental condition, no stay of execution was ever ordered. Broomfield had already made a doc focusing on Wuornos, 1992's Aileen Wuornos: The Selling of a Serial Killer, which chronicled Wuornos' family and enemies efforts to get Aileen's story to Hollywood.
This new film is all about the actual person, digging deep into her battered soul. It's a wipeout.
This review of Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer (2003) was written by Manny C on 11 Mar 2011.
Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer has generally received positive reviews.
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