"Monster" Among AFI's Top 10 of 2003

"Monster," a feature film shot entirely in Central Florida earlier this year, was named Dec. 15 as one of the American Film Institute's 10 best movies of the year. The modest-budget film was honored alongside movies like "American Splendor," "Finding Nemo," "The Human Stain," "In America," "The Last Samurai," "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," "Lost in Translation," "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" and "Mystic River."

"Monster," which stars actress Charlize Theron, tells the story of Aileen Wuornos, a highway prostitute who was executed in Florida for killing seven men during the 1980s. The film also stars Christina Ricci and Bruce Dern in principal character roles.

In choosing "Monster," the AFI jury said the film "tells the gruesome story of serial killer Aileen Wuornos and manages to find a human being amidst the horror. Writer and Director Patty Jenkins brings light to this dark tale of a woman whose tragic story is never condoned but deftly brought to life in all its complexity. Charlize Theron gives a breathtaking performance that ranks among the best of the year."

Source: Orlando Business Journal