BBC HomeExplore the BBC
This page was last updated in April 2005We've left it here for reference.More information

7 January 2010
Accessibility help
Text only
shropshireshropshire

BBC Homepage
»BBC Local
Shropshire
Things to do
People & Places
Nature
History
Religion & Ethics
Arts and Culture
BBC Introducing
TV & Radio

Sites near Shropshire

Birmingham
Black Country
Hereford & Worcester
Stoke

Related BBC Sites

England
 

Contact Us

Like this page?
Send it to a friend!

 

Aileen: Life And Death Of A Serial Killer
15 Aileen: Life And Death Of A Serial Killer (2003)

updated 14 November 2003
reviewer's rating
3 out of 5
Reviewed by Stella Papamichael
average user rating
4 Star


Director
Nick Broomfield
Joan Churchill
Stars
Nick Broomfield
Aileen Wuornos
Dawn Botkins
Length
93 minutes
Distributor
Optimum Releasing
Cinema
21 November 2003
Country
UK/USA
Genre
Documentary
Web Links
Official site


Rate This Film
What did you think of this film?
Select your star rating from the options below
 

Star Rating: 1  1
Star Rating: 2  2
Star Rating: 3  3
Star Rating: 4  4
Star Rating: 5  5
Average star rating: 4 from 72 votes

The title could fool you into thinking this documentary concerns executed lesbian serial killer Aileen Wuornos (soon a major film starring Charlize Theron!). Actually, it's the gripping story of filmmaker Nick Broomfield and his intrepid quest for The Truth.

"HILARIOUS"

Twelve years after telling Aileen's story in The Selling Of A Serial Killer, he's called to give evidence at her final appeal, prompting this unorthodox sequel. It also makes for a typically hilarious scene as Broomfield respectfully cross-examines the prosecuting attorney.

Aileen's ex-lawyer, hippy pothead Dr Legal, is also in contempt. His advice to any client facing the electric chair is: "Don't sit down." Meanwhile, Governor Jeb Bush is running for re-election on a pro-death penalty ticket with the unofficial campaign slogan "Just stick 'em on a gurney and let's rock n' roll!"

But the crux of this investigation is Aileen's decision to repeal her claim of self-defence regarding her first victim (of seven), Richard Mallory. The plot thickens when she's fooled into thinking the camera is turned off and explains her u-turn to Broomfield. While ethically questionable, it makes for a fascinating insight into Aileen's state of mind.

The scene is Broomfield at his best: exposing the hypocrisy at the root of evil, whilst treading that fine line between comedy and tragedy. Other moments just feel needlessly exploitative, like Aileen's long-time friend Dawn Botkins claiming that, when they were at school, "Gays weren't invented yet."

"DELICIOUSLY DROLL"

While Broomfield raises intriguing questions about small-town morality, the machinations of government, and the inadequacies of the legal system, he treats these as glib footnotes. It makes for a tabloid account, albeit a deliciously droll sidebar to The Selling Of A Serial Killer.

Ultimately, it's left to Aileen to sum up her life and death in her final interview with Broomfield. With wild eyes, she barks to camera: "A woman got executed and was used for books and movies and s***!" The irony is painfully clear.

Find out more about "Aileen: Life And Death Of A Serial Killer" at
Movie Review Query Engine
The Internet Movie Database


The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites

line
Top| Films Index | Home
 


  BOLLYWOOD
BBC Shropshire Bollywood news, reviews and galleries
Red bullet point Bollywood film galleries
  FILM SEARCH
BBC Shropshire film search
Red bullet point What to see in Shropshire
  UK TOP FILMS
BBC Shropshire guide to top ten films to watch this month
Red bullet point What to watch this month
  FILM VAULT
BBC Shropshire film vault
Red bullet point Packed full of film reviews



About the BBC | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookies Policy