Watch Aileen Wuornos: Selling of a Serial Killer

Aileen Wuornos: Selling of a Serial Killer is a documentary-style film from 1992 that follows the story of Aileen Wuornos, who was a self-confessed serial killer in Florida. The film is directed by Nick Broomfield and features Aileen herself, as well as people who knew her, including Arlene Pralle, who was Aileen's adoptive mother. The film starts by examining Aileen's background and early life. Aileen grew up in a troubled household, with an abusive father and molestations from her grandfather. She had a troubled upbringing, which led her to run away from home at an early age. She then turned to a life of prostitution, eventually leading her down a path of serial killing.

The focus of the film is on the trial of Aileen Wuornos, who confessed to killing several of her clients while working as a prostitute. The documentary shows how the media portrayed her as a cold-blooded killer, but the interviews with Aileen and other people involved in the trial shed a different light on the story. Her defense lawyers portray her as a victim of society, who had no choice but to turn to killing to survive.

Throughout the film, the audience is presented with two different sides to Aileen; the media portrayal and her own testimony. The documentary highlights how the media circus surrounding her case turned her into a metaphor for everything that is wrong with the world, rather than a human being who had her own reasons for her actions.

One of the most interesting parts of the film is the relationship between Aileen and Arlene Pralle. Arlene became close to Aileen during her time in prison and even started a campaign to save her from the death penalty. Arlene is shown to be a deeply religious and kind-hearted woman who wanted to help Aileen get a fair trial. She is also shown to be fooled by Aileen's false claims of childhood abuse, which is contrasted with the real abuse Aileen suffered.

Another fascinating aspect of the documentary is the way it exposes the flaws in the American justice system. The film shows how the prosecution paid for the testimony of certain witnesses, who were willing to lie to secure a conviction. The prosecutor is shown to be more concerned with getting a conviction than finding the truth, which highlights how the American justice system can fail those it is designed to protect.

Overall, Aileen Wuornos: Selling of a Serial Killer is a gripping and thought-provoking documentary that raises important questions about justice, media sensationalism, and the rights of the accused. The film is well-made and features interviews with key players in the case, including Aileen herself. While it may not be suitable for everyone due to the graphic nature of the crimes committed, it is an important film that sheds light on a tragic case and the injustices surrounding it.

To sum it up, Aileen Wuornos: Selling of a Serial Killer is a must-watch film for anyone interested in criminology and the psychology behind serial killers. It is a powerful documentary that will leave viewers with many questions about who Aileen Wuornos really was and what factors contributed to her becoming a killer.