Aileen Wuornous (Charlize Theron) – Monster
Many actors undergo major aesthetic alterations for the right role; weights yo-yo, heads are shaved, particular stances are adopted, but few have ever had a transformation quite as shocking as Charlize Theron when she tackled the greatly challenging role of Aileen Wuornous in the truly excellent Monster.
Christian Bale and Daniel Day Lewis could learn a thing or two from her that’s for sure. Not only is she practically unrecognisable, she strains areas of her performance with equal ambition which certainly paid off as it claimed her a rightful Academy Award. Her Wuornous – America’s most feared female serial killer – is a cavalcade of conflicted feeling; a bruising, snarling, brutal entity peppered with delicates and real tenderness.
You actively feel sorry and woeful for someone who should be completely repugnant. That’s a fine feat for any actor regardless of ability or gender.
