Prodigious Filmdom 5: Charlize Theron Characters

Our resident film critic, Brandon Vick, lists his five favorite Charlize Theron characters ever on this edition of Prodigious Filmdom 5.

Share This Post

Every time Charlize Theron graces the screen—you’re captivated. And it’s not just by her beauty, but the fierce, bold presence she’s bringing, too. In case you didn’t know, she’s not the same actress she was when she was falling in love with her dentist in That Thing You Do! There’s nothing that she’s not willing to do or capable of doing. There’s no genre that can contain her. Below is all the proof you need.

Aileen Wuornos

(Monster)

Before Wonder Woman, director Patty Jenkins focused on a much more complicated real-life woman who became a serial killer. And Theron is the least imaginable person to play Aileen Wuornos; yet, everything we knew about her as an actress is shredded in this tremendous transformation, placing this phenomenal performance at the very top of her resume. It didn’t hurt that she won an Oscar for it, either. It’s searing on several levels, but it’s the eruption of rage that Theron brings that will leave you shaken.

Ravenna

(Snow White and the Huntsman)

Director Rupert Sanders’ dark fairy tale doesn’t exude excellence by any stretch of the imagination. Still, Theron getting evil is captivating and a total blast to watch. As the vain Queen, she holds nothing back by being wicked, wild, and wretched. This marks the first time she truly embraces being a villain and it’s a glorious thing. However, not so much in that totally unnecessary sequel.

Imperator Furiosa

(Mad Max: Fury Road)

Theron is a spellbinding badass in this unhinged, hell raising movie with exhilarating action and a hefty story about humanity in the wasteland. She takes this role and relishes in it, refusing to be a sidekick or a damsel in distress. She’s here to unleash her ferociousness, and ain’t nobody going to stop her. Never have we seen Mad Max take a backseat in his own movie, but Furiosa is behind the wheel with her foot all the way down on the gas. An astonishing, visceral ride you’ll want to take with her more than just once. Hold on tight.

Josey Aimes

(North Country)

Josey Aimes is a fictional character, but the movie is based on a true story dealing with the first major successful sexual harassment case in the United States. Playing a woman who gets a job as a miner to only be heinously harassed by her male co-workers, Theron gives one of the best performances of her career. Bringing her her second Oscar nomination for Best Actress, she embodies an undeviating fighting spirit that was unheard of for a woman in any workplace. It’s a first-rate portrayal of a fearless woman, and you best believe this paved the way for the #MeToo movement that we all are witnessing today.

Mavis Gary

(Young Adult)

Director Jason Reitman and writer Diablo Cody are throwing the pitches, but it’s Theron who knocks them out of the park in this biting dramedy about refusing to grow up and saying adiós to those high school days. Her raw performance is destined to disrupt by dishing out her inner-bitch, taking anyone she can down with her. And the beauty in all of this is you’re laughing, even when maybe you shouldn’t be. Only an amazing actress such as Theron can make us understand the unlikable.

Check out our recent episode of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast, on which we dive into the filmography of Charlize Theron HERE:

Listen to “Ep. 53: Charlize Theron” on Spreaker.

Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.

Check out the SoBros Shop. Become a Patron. Give us money for no reason. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @SoBrosNetwork. Watch on YouTube.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Get updates and learn from the best

More To Explore