This DVD documentary tells the story of Aileen Wournos. Includes never-before-seen footage of America's first female serial killer
Sensationalist director Nick Broomfield delivers his most personal film with this bracing, powerful sequel to 1992's AILEEN WUORNOS: THE SELLING OF A SERIAL KILLER. Ten years after making that film, Broomfield returns to the story of America's first female serial killer, who murdered seven truck drivers over the course of 12 months in Florida, requested execution as punishment, and on October 9, 2002 was put to death. Broomfield's film shows Aileen's final appeal before her execution and identifies a whole new set of problems in reviewing her testimony. For one, Aileen contradicted her initial claim that she killed the truck drivers in self defense, stating instead that she murdered them in cold blood. Also, Broomfield realized that Aileen was potentially insane. Somehow, Florida governor Jeb Bush ignored this possibility and accepted her request for execution. After interviewing several of her closest companions, Broomfield sat down with Aileen herself for her final interview, in which she accuses law enforcement officials of knowing about her killing spree and not stopping it.
While Broomfield has been criticized for being too active a participant in his films, this time it is warranted. His strong connection to Aileen turns the film into a deeply personal meditation on the life of a truly troubled individual and a scathing attack on America's corrupt justice system.
Theatrical Release: JANUARY 9, 2003 (NY/LA)
Aileen: The Life And Death Of A Serial Killer Reviews:
"[T]his is human nature in extremis up close, messy and ignoble: Broomfield's grim forte."
-- David Stubbs, Uncut
"...This compelling, thought-prodding doc allows the bigger picture -- cogent, angry, even passionate -- to shine through..."-- Jennifer Nine, Total Film
"[A] spellbinding saddening documentary."
-- Richard Falcon, Sight and Sound
"[A] non-exploitative, gratifyingly humanizing documentary..."-- Manohla Dargis, Los Angeles Times
"[A]n absorbing film..."-- Stephen Holden, New York Times
"[G]ripping."
-- Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly
"Her eyes, radiating madness, will haunt your dreams."
-- Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
"As Wuornos' often-delayed execution date inexorably closed in, Broomfield returned to the story for this film....She gave him her last interview."-- Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
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