One of the advantages of having Sky is that I get to see a lot of films I’d like to have seen but never got around to viewing. The range of films is wide and varied.

Last night I watched Monster, which I’d heard about and had an interest in seeing, but as with so many other things, never got around to doing. I must admit, I wasn’t quite prepared for what I was about to see. The film is based on the true story of Aileen Wuornos, a girl in the United States who had a bad start in life, put her trust in the wrong ideas and people, and eventually became a serial killer.

When I started watching, I couldn’t believe it was Charlize Theron playing Aileen, and Christina Ricci looked remarkably cute and adorable as Selby. The film puts down enough groundwork to be able to begin to appreciate the childhood which made Aileen what she became, and Theron’s portrayal is remarkable. I had thought she was just another pretty face until now, but this film demonstrates her significant talent. I look forward to seeing more of her more serious work in the future. Ricci as always puts on a good performance.

As the film develops, the complexities of life unfold. From Aileen’s rather tumultuous upbringing, going from pillar to post, making bad judgements and contacts, through to her meeting Selby. The challenges of life confront the couple, from their underlying belief systems, through to the consequences of the actions they make based on those beliefs.

The few really disturbing scenes really were very disturbing, yet put forward in a very necessary way, leaving an indelible mark and showing their significance in Aileen’s life. Without these scenes it would be difficult to truly understand the events which made Aileen.

A very good film, in the same vein as American Beauty. Not something you’d show children, but would give any adult a very thought provoking insight into life.