Directed by Patty Jenkins
Starring Charlize Theron and Christina Ricci
Charlize Theron plays the role of Aileen Carol Wuornos in this true story about a highway prostitute who was executed for killing seven men in Florida in the 80’s. Need I say that this isn’t a family film?
But before I tell you “not to rent it” or “to rent it,” which is why most people read these reviews, please allow me to share with you something that struck me about this film . . . something not even in the film, but about the making of this film.
This film received a lot of hype in Hollywood. Charlize Theron, who gained 30 pounds and underwent a daily transformation for the part, won best Actress at the Oscars, the Golden Globes, and S.A.G. Awards. The performances were strong in the film and the soundtrack was very good.
That’s all nice . . . but that’s not what got me.
The thing that amazed me was the compassion of the director, Patty Jenkins.
The film was based on a true story. Jenkins had watched coverage of the actual trial of Aileen Wuornos on the news in the 80’s. When the press reported the facts about Wuornos—prostitute, murderer, lesbian—not much was left to tell.
Or was there?
Jenkins watched the court case and saw something else under the shell of this “monster” in handcuffs. She saw a little girl that was abused, a teenager that was raped, a woman that was trapped. When Jenkins watched the news, her heart broke for Wuornos.
In an interview Jenkins said, “There are so many of those moments you didn’t get to see about someone like Aileen. You only see the outbursts. You don’t get to see the raw hope that gets crushed, unleashing that.”
I have to admire this quality in Jenkins . . . compassion.
As a follower of Jesus, compassion is very big in my book. Throughout the Bible, Jesus encountered the worst of sinners and always responded in compassion rather than judgment. The worse the sinner, the more they were attracted to Jesus. If only we all could have this affect on others. If only all people who call themselves “Christians,” or followers of Christ, could have this kind of compassion.
I probably can’t recommend this film because of all the objectionable content. Let’s face it, Wuornos had a rough life. She was abused sexually as a child, beat up by her dad, raped numerous times while looking for love. It’s a sad story. And the movie shows you some of the gory details.
But I love what the director says about the film:
“I’m sure that some people will be horrified and some people will be moved by the film. And beyond that, the only thing I can hope to do is show what you learn about this person when you look harder . . . because most people never do look harder.”
So I’ll not tell you to “rent it” or “not rent it.” But I will tell you this. “Look harder” at the people you come in contact with each day.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
