Aileen Wuornos: Selling of a Serial Killer (1992) User Reviews

Interesting documentary!

[the amorphousmachine · 7/10 · 9 September 2002]

Nick Broomfield, the director of 'Kurt and Courtney', offers another interesting insight to a notorious subject of a different kind. Aileen Wuornos, dubbed America's first female serial killer and a woman who killed seven men, is the topic of Broomfield's investigation. He draws attention to the circumstances surrounding the media and Hollywood deals and the characteristics of Wuornos's lawyer and a Christian woman (who adopts Aileen and becomes her spiritual mother) and exposes their agenda. Rather than give insight to the crimes itself, Broomfield reveals the sensationalism of the event, and the people involved with Aileen. This is hardly a brilliant documentary but essential viewing as we see Broomfield struggle to get his interview with Aileen where the compelling factor revolves around the circumstances of the process and people involved itself!

***1/2 out of *****!

Florida sure is a strange place, and well documented by Broomfield

[Quinoa1984 · 8/10 · 25 August 2004]

(spoilers ahead)

I decided to check out this doc months after seeing Monster, the film adaptation with Charlize Theron in her Oscar winning turn as Aileen Wuornos (the first female serial killer in American history, and to be put on death row in Florida no less). When it was over, I wondered what Wuornos would have thought of the more recent film, or if she would've allowed it, after the media frenzy that came down on her for her crimes; she despised a little-seen TV movie about herself called Overkill. But here, on a different level of dramatic intensity than Monster, Broomfield does an even more competent and fascinating job at looking at what happened to this woman, and the people who were around her before, during, and after her trial(s). It's actually quite entertaining, with the personalities that are introduced and (sometimes) interviewed, with Wuornos' interview, as was Heston's in Bowling for Columbine, kept as the finale after a couple of mis-steps involving money, scheduling, and police interference.

A viewer, as was the case with me, might not be entirely sure that Wuornos killed those people in self defense, or the film might make their once judgment confirmed. But if the film succeeds it's because Broomfield gets the sides of the story that count, or at least a chunk of the personalities (sometimes the lack of which adds to the 'hmm' element) such as her musician lawyer Steve, 'foster mother' Arleen, the sole interview with a Florida police officer, a writer on her case, and crucial footage from the court room. Some scenes in the film lead to nowhere (i.e. a visit to a bar, which is featured more or less in Monster), and it's frustrating that Broomfield couldn't get more footage than he ended up with. However, if you find true-crime documentaries, and the cold details within, as or more absorbing that watching professional, Hollywood productions, this is a good film to look to. A-

Great story, poor editing

[johara333 · 7/10 · 11 April 2003]

The movie jacket claims this film is along the lines of Michael Moore's Roger and Me and Errol Morris' The Thin Blue Line, I wouldn't go that far. This film uncovers the injustice Aileen received throughout her legal process, but it was lacking stylistically. The lighting was poor, unnecessary pauses distracted the viewer from the content of the interviews, and the editing could have been cleaner. Regardless of these stylistic faults, the film's subject matter carries the film, that and Wuornos's chillingly perceptive outbursts in court. This woman's story--told correctly--is a valuable lesson to Americans and brings to light the need to reform the criminal justice system, which for Aileen, was corrupt on every level.

Sad!

[Cipher-J · 7 May 2004]

A person may kill out of hatred, meanness, apathy, anger, or desperation. Whatever the reason, murder can never be tolerated except as an act of self defense. But what can we say about someone who repeatedly puts herself in dangerous situations, and then not once but seven takes a life, each time claiming that she had acted in self defense? As even she complains, it's all in the numbers. That she had a miserable life, with a long history of neglect and abuse, is doubted by no one. That those whom she killed were mean and loathsome toads who cared nothing for her, and would have taken her life had she not murdered them first, is also arguably true. But she kept putting herself in such situations repeatedly, anyway, and that's where her claim for self defense seems absurd.

The documentary portrays her as angry at the world, yet relentlessly addicted to bad advice from others who seek to exploit her for their own selfish reasons. First she listens to a nincompoop "Christian" lady, who convinces her that Jesus will forgive her sins if only she admits to all her crimes in court. So she does, only later to realize the stupidity of such advice. Similarly with legal representation. Going from bad to worse she listens to a worthless narcissist more interested in his own career than saving her life. For all involved, she is worth more dead than alive. Her life would end in the electric chair, while the audience would be eating popcorn and watching the Hollywood version of her story.

The deeper question, however, is how did this woman become a killer in the first place? What is it about our culture that we turn a blind eye to poverty, neglect and abuse, yet we blame those who act out their frustrations through anti-social behaviors? Given her background, why should we be surprised that she turned out as she did? Her life meant nothing to anyone until she went over the edge, and then it only meant a story to be exploited for profit by others. There are flaws in this documentary, to be sure, but a very sad story it yet remains.

Aileen Wasn't the Monster in This Documentary

[view_and_review · 7/10 · 29 January 2022]

Why is it that Aileen Wuornos wasn't even the biggest monster in this documentary? She killed a few men, yes, and there's no getting around that, but her attorney, Steve Glazer, and her "adopted parent" Arlene Pralle, were absolutely despicable. I can't believe I watched a documentary about a serial killer and I was angriest at the killer's attorney and new found friend.

This titillating, albeit a bit amateurish, documentary focuses on the greed surrounding Aileen Wuornos, alleged killer of seven men in Florida. You may have seen her portrayed in the movie "Monster" for which Charlize Theron was awarded an Oscar.

The two worst people in this documentary, as I mentioned, were Steve Glazer and Arlene Pralle. Steve Glazer was a musician turned lawyer and he was bad at both. Except if you're bad at music people can boo you off the stage or turn your demo off. If you're bad as a criminal defense attorney your client gets put in the electric chair as Wuornos was. Steve Glazer spent the entire documentary smiling and singing as though he didn't have a care in the world. It was all too vexing to see his smug, self-righteous, predatory face every shot with a s--- eating grin, singing a stupid song, or justifying his pathetic lawyering.

After him was Arlene Pralle. She looked like a missing member of the Manson Family. She looked utterly vapid and vacuous, and she had a voice to match. In all of her Born Again wisdom she convinced Aileen to plead no contest which was tantamount to pleading guilty. She and Steve ushered Aileen to death row as though they were doing the Lord's work. If that didn't make her repulsive enough, she also sought to make money off of Aileen like many others had. She was a horrible human being and she was too dumb to know.

We didn't get to see much of Aileen that wasn't archived footage. It would've been nice to hear her fully explain what she'd been through and what she'd done. No one will ever know the complete truth, but I'd like to hear from her a lot more than the slimy people she found herself attached to.

Addiction to Documentaries

[Herag · 7/10 · 24 August 2011]

I must confess that I'm sort of addicted to Nick Broomfield's documentaries, where, he never takes no for an answer and his relentless pursuit of subjects whether paid or not. If they are paid, and wont grant an interview, he throws such a guilt trip on them as he does with Arlene, one of Aileen Wuorno's friend. A testimonial for his stubborn pursuit, is the list of calls that were not returned or shunned as the end credits roll! This adds a certain humor to the otherwise drab movie meant for intellectuals and not for people who watch imbecile animation movies. The only one that comes close to Nick Broomfield is Mike Wallace of "60 Minutes" but Wallace, is chasing con artists and broiler room operators and not serial killers. I have seen "Monster" and the other "Wuornos" Doc. from Broomfield. Suffice to say it makes a riveting piece of a movie. Since we know the subject of the movie has been found guilty by a jury and the only question remains, is how she could have avoided the death penalty? The most chilling scene is the rundown of an execution in an actual chambers.It's obvious that she hated males of certain age, who resembled her father and self defense could not have been the motive for seven murders! I think she would have been serving life, if she was represented by some one like F. Lee Bailey, which brings up the crucial question that public defenders are not in the same league as private lawyers. This movie shows that there is legal system but no justice when pedophiles are free and a serial killer is executed.

Aileen Wuornos: The Selling of a Serial Killer

[jboothmillard · 6/10 · 20 June 2010]

I only found out about Aileen Wuornos because of a not very recognisable Charlize Theron playing her and winning an Oscar for the film Monster (ironically she won on Wuornos's birthday). Then I heard about this documentary by British filmmaker Nick Broomfield (Biggie & Tupac), featured in the book 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, I was happy to see any documentary about the real Wuornos. This film documents Broomfield as he interviews all those who knew Wuornos well and has had acquaintance with her. She was sentenced to death after being convicted for the murder of seven men, all victim to her shooting them when she was into prostitution, and her girlfriend at the time, Tyra moore, gave evidence in trial. The film mainly sees how Wuornos was exposed and exploited by the press, and Broomfield's ultimate goal is to interview Wuornos herself, and get some opinions and access from the two closest to her in prison, adopted mother Arlene Pralle and lawyer Steve Glazer. Obviously the final interview with Aileen Wuornos, before she is executed by lethal injection ten years later, is to look forward to, but I think the archive footage of Wuornos in court rooms and defending herself was extraordinary (in the bad way). Wuronos had a most foul mouth when it came to be being sentenced, saying such things as "your all going to Hell and I'm going to Heaven" and "I hope all your children get raped", in my opinion, she got what she deserved. Also with interviews and footage from Jesse 'The Human Bomb' Aviles, Cannonball, Sgt. Brian Jarvis and Mike Reynolds. Good!

The films of Nick Broomfield.

[Captain_Couth · 8/10 · 28 July 2005]

Aileen Wuornos: The Selling of a Serial Killer (1992) was the first film that Nick Broomfield made about America's "first female serial killer". We follow Nick Broomfield around the sleazy side of Florida (and of American culture)as he tries to learn more about Aileen Wuornos. We also learn about how everyone is out to get a piece of her fame and ride it until it's out of gas. Mr. Broomfield does everything he can to try and get an interview as well with the notorious serial killer. Will Nick Broomfield get his interview? Are people really this greedy and shallow? What drove Ms. Wuornos and why to Christian groups want her to die in IL' Sparky? Check it out!!

Not as compelling as the second film but it's still interesting. I would strongly recommend this film for documentary fans or those who enjoy Nick Broomfield's work.

Talk you of killing?

[trulyuselessgroup · 7/10 · 26 February 2017]

Well-meaning but certainly scattershot, the David Brent-inspired lawyer was head-shakingly bizarre. Were his attempt at providing the soundtrack a condition of accessing Wuornos?

This was my first introduction to Wuornos's story, having come upon this without realizing the connection Charlize Theron's 'Monster' (2003).

Overall it was an interesting snapshot of 1990s Americana, be it Florida, serial killers, or struggling musicians.

*** This review may not contain spoilers ***

A haunting classic of pitch black comedy

[amosduncan_2000 · 10/10 · 16 September 2006]

This film, and Broomfield's follow up, should be viewed by anyone who wants to reexamine their feelings about capital punishment. Wurous is abused by everyone, obviously at least half mad, and in a state of terror at being incarcerated. A ghoulish group of hanger ons try to exploit her at every turn (interestingly, the lawyer is given a questionable reprieve in the sequel) and even grease her path to the electric chair. The system to takes a crack at exploiting her "fame."

Some dismiss Broomfield's work as egocentric and cheap shot ridden; I find it honest and actually quite compassionate. I think he was derided for presenting an unflattering portrait of the then in vogue Courtney Love. Well, looks like he was right on that one too.

This is, I think, his strongest film. But see the sequel too; one the grim jokes turn themselves inside out.

a most tragic individual

[lee_eisenberg · 8/10 · 28 May 2022]

Serial killer Aileen Wuornos came to my attention when Charlize Theron played her in Patty Jenkins's "Monster". It turned out that Wuornos had been famous for over a decade before then. Nick Broomfield's "Aileen Wuornos: The Selling of a Serial Killer" focuses on Wuornos's arrest and prosecution.

The topics noted by the documentary are that Wuornos had a dismal childhood (resulting in her proclivity towards violence); and that during the trial, a number of people tried to enrich themselves from the publicity. Basically, there were no good guys; the documentary doesn't heroify Wuornos, but also shows what opportunists everyone else was.

Broomfield made a second documentary about Aileen Wuornos, but I haven't seen that one, only this one and "Monster" (it turns out that there was also a 1992 movie about Wuornos starring Jean Smart). The point is that Wuornos is a clear example of how a harsh upbringing can turn someone into a sadist - that is, a screwed-up society breeds screwed-up people* - and how people will then want to profit from it. Definitely worth seeing.

*That was also one of the points made in "A Clockwork Orange".

Disturbing, no one comes across in a positive light

[rje58 · 5/10 · 26 September 2002]

"Aileen Wuornos: The Selling of a Serial Killer" is a disturbing documentary in which no one comes out in a positive light: not the police, not the lawyers, not the judges, not the media, certainly not Aileen Wuornos and not even the filmmakers.

This documentary by Nick Broomfield is unfocused, and the filmmaker and his small crew are often part of the saga. It paints a rather grim picture, where police are more concerned about possible movie deals than arresting the right person (although they did have the right person, almost by accident), where lawyers are slime buckets even when masquerading as laid back rejects from the '60s and '70s "flower power" era, and where people who claim to be spiritual and doing "God's work" come out looking no less mercenary or self-serving than anyone else (well, except maybe the killer and the sleazy lawyer).

Filmmaker Broomfield doesn't give us nearly as many facts as you might expect - and in this case, even wish for - in a documentary of this type. Much of the film consists of him traipsing around with his small film crew, trying to convince somebody to talk to him. He seems often to miss the point, and doesn't ask the most relevant or probing questions. I never could decide, while watching this film, how much of that was on purpose, for effect, and how much was just him not doing a very good job. It does add to the overall dark impression in the film, that few people really know the truth, know what's going on, and that fewer still care...

Interesting in places, disturbing in others, downright scary if you come out of this believing this is how the criminal justice system works (or not) in this country, Broomfield's film is certainly thought provoking, if somewhat confused and lacking focus.

Good Look at a Different Type of Subject

[Michael_Elliott · 16 June 2012]

Aileen Wuornos: The Selling of a Serial Killer (1993)

*** (out of 4)

Good documentary from Nick Broomfield has the filmmaker trying to secure an interview with Aileen Wuornos, the Florida woman convicted of killing seven men as she was working as a prostitute. The story became (wrongly) known as the first female serial killer but the filmmaker quickly learns that those around here supposedly looking after her best interest are actually just trying to milk money from the case. This includes her lawyer Steve Glazer as well as Arlene Pralle, the woman who adopted Wuornos soon after she was arrested. This is a pretty fascinating documentary on many levels and I do wonder if Broomfield's original intent was just to make a documentary on Wuornos and then while doing it he discovered how others were just using her to make money for themselves. While there's a quick interview with Wuornos at the end of the documentary, the main focus here is the lawyer as well as the adopted mother. Right from the start you can tell that there's something really wrong with these people and especially when they make Wuornos change her pleas simply because of coming clean to God and going home. This is just the start of things because Broomfield soon uncovers that perhaps even the police are in on this just so they could get movie deals. I really liked the way Broomfield interviewed both parties on their connections to the case and it was really fascinating that no one could see through this lawyer while all the court stuff was going on. Now, I'm not going to sit here and say that Wuornos didn't get what she deserved for her crimes but at the same time those around her shouldn't have been benefiting from her case, life and eventual death.

Too Much For The Time!

[BreanneB · 1/10 · 16 July 2005]

I thought this movie was awful. I give it no stars. Arlene Pralle, and her husband are nuts. Adopting a serial killer, excuse me? I'll say it, there are just some odd people in this world.

I thought the Pralle's were also very greedy people, who only did it for money. Aileen is one scary and intimidating person who needs to grow up. She obviously never did and hated men with every fiber of her being.

She was married to one guy for three months, until Aileen beat him with his own walking stick. That's when she hit the streets again. She started on the streets at age 15.

Great bizzare look at tabloid culture

[acky · 2 October 1999]

The grotesque and sinister Steven Glazer leads Nick Broomfield into a frightening tabloid current affair world in which serial killers have agents, The police frame suspects in order to get movie deals, I don't wnt to spoil to much of the disturbing thins that occur but Steven Glazer has some odd advice to give to his client.