I had read the biography many many years ago. And saw the tv version with Park Overall (not sure of last name!) and Charlene Tilton.
The television version is more true to life. The movie, Monster, was more fiction than fact but none the less a great movie.
There was much uproar by the families of the victims, they felt their loved ones were portrayed as the evil doers as opposed to the murderer and wondered why they weren't interviewed for the movie. Well, they weren't interviewed because there was no reason to! The movie was the telling of the story from the side of someone who MAY have seen herself as a victim. Interviews with family not necessary and actually would interfere with the purpose of the film. Everyone knew that it was a slant of fiction. Every one involved in making the film wanted it that way- that was the goal, and it did quite well (if I remember correctly). I haven't seen it because I'm afraid I'll cry!! I remember how very young she was when she began prostituting herself. It's just a very sad story whether or not one sees her as pure evil or not. Just plain sad.
So what's your rating of the film? A, B, less or more? Can I just close my eyes and ears and still enjoy the movie? or is it a LOT of sadness?