It is a well-known axiom in Hollywood that actresses who
are willing to conceal their beauty under disfiguring make-up are destined
to win the Academy Award. While there is enough evidence to demonstrate that
this isn't universally true (witness Ellen Burstyn for "Requium for a
Dream"), there are enough examples where it's come true (Nicole Kidman for
"The Hours") to give strength to the belief.
But Charlize Theron may now take that to new heights. One
of Hollywood's greatest beauties, Theron is completely unrecognizable under
the heavy oatmeal make-up and the thirty extra pounds she gained for the
role. As Aileen, she looks worn and weathered, but human - the make-up is
done so well that it doesn't even look like make-up. And for this reason
alone, the film would deserve a Best Make-Up Academy Award nomination (it
didn't get one), and merits consideration for the Cosmo nomination for Best
Costume Design and Make-Up.
But this emphasis on the film's technical achievements
overlooks it's greatest strength: Theron's powerful performance as the
murderer Aileen Wuornos. She is transformative in the role, and not just
from the make-up. Hollywood has done well to recognize her - she won the
Golden Globe, the film's only nomination there, and is the front-runner to
pick up an Oscar as well (another "only nomination" for the film). And she
deserves consideration by the Cosmique Movie Academy as well.
My grade: A -
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