Aileen Wuornos: The Selling of a Serial Killer

Aileen Wuornos: The Selling of a Serial Killer is a riveting 1992 British-American documentary delving into the simultaneously tantalizing and terrifying world of one of America's most notorious female serial killers - Aileen Wuornos. Renowned documentary filmmaker Nick Broomfield of British descent turns his lens on this captivating subject, taking audiences on a journey of intrigue, dread, and the pursuit of truth. The film stars Aileen Wuornos herself, Nick Broomfield, and Arlene Pralle, drawing on their voices to bring forth a compelling story.

The documentary commences by focusing on Aileen Wuornos, who stirred shockwaves across the nation and the world in the late 1980s and early 90s, when she was convicted for killing seven men in Florida. The victims, she claimed, had either raped or attempted to rape her while she was working as a prostitute. But the narrative created around Wuornos quickly went past these alleged acts to paint a larger portrait of a dangerous predator prowling America's highways.

Broomfield's documentary cuts past the sensationalism and seeks to explore a far-reaching and more personal examination of the case from varying perspectives. The film studies Wuornos, the frail human beneath the 'monster' painted by the media, and the society that both crafted and was captivated by her story.

One notable approach Broomfield adopts in Aileen Wuornos: The Selling of a Serial Killer is a focus on the commercialization of the case. He explores how Wuornos' gruesome saga was commoditized for profit by different stakeholders, including law enforcement, the media, and even her own lawyer, as they sold books, movie rights, and interviews. Even Wuornos' adoption by an eager Christian woman, Arlene Pralle, who wanted to 'save her soul,' is examined for its intent and authenticity.

Shot in an investigative format, Broomfield undeniably plays a significant role throughout the documentary. He becomes a part of the story, equally engaging with key players as he is revealing the highly controversial aspects of the case. Several of Wuornos' interviews are intercut with Broomfield's own journey navigating these morally ambiguous waters.

Enthralling and chilling, the film gives audiences tremendous access. Through interviews with Wuornos, viewers are given a riveting look into the mind of a serial killer. Wuornos' description of her life and the events leading up to her alleged crimes make for some of the most intense moments of the documentary. We’re also shown the deeply personal confessions from Arlene Pralle, who by the time of filming, has assumed the role of Wuornos' adoptive mother and spiritual advisor.

Simultaneously, Broomfield offers an unflinching look at the potentially unethical actions of certain people involved in Wuornos' legal representation and how their behavior may have contributed to her eventual sentencing. Specifically, the documentary scrutinizes Steven Glazer, Wuornos' lawyer, and his attempts at selling the media rights to Wuornos' story, raising questions about the integrity and authenticity of the legal system.

Broomfield's Aileen Wuornos: The Selling of a Serial Killer is a haunting exploration of a complex situation. It's neither a heroic overview of a woman wronged nor a ghastly exposition of a bloodthirsty serial killer. Instead, it aims to capture the nuance and moral ambiguity of real life, distilling the essence of tragedy, corruption, and the search for truth in an often muddled world.

The documentary is a highly engaging cinematic journey that paints a multi-layered portrait of a controversial life and the society that helped mold it. Simultaneously, the film serves as a severe critique of the criminal justice system and the media's propensity for capitalizing on high-profile criminal cases. It offers a stimulating and insightful view into one of the most significant criminal cases in recent American history and explores the greater social implications drawn from such instances.

Aileen Wuornos: The Selling of a Serial Killer is more than a crime documentary; it's an exploration of the human condition, a problematic legal system, and the raw portrayal of a woman at the center of an extraordinary circumstance. By the end of this powerful piece, viewers are left to contemplate the many aspects explored - about society, justice, and the fine line between victim and perpetrator. Whether you are a true crime lover, a documentary enthusiast, or someone curious about the darker contours of American society, this film is truly an eye-opening experience.