Martin didn't stay in London for long before returning to Los Angeles to attend the premiere of Charlize Theron's new film, Monster.
This ill-fated movie, after two years of production, had finally been completed and released.
Charlize's shaved eyebrows hadn't fully grown back yet, but the ones she drew on looked surprisingly realistic. Her figure hadn't completely returned to its former slender state after gaining weight for the role, but she now carried a different kind of voluptuous beauty.
When she saw Martin, Charlize eagerly approached him, a hint of pride in her voice. "Martin, you have to watch this film. I feel like my acting has reached a whole new level."
Martin chuckled—was she already campaigning for votes?
"Don't worry, Best Actress at the Oscars, right? I'll help you out."
"Just like you helped Nicole?" Charlize's eyes sparkled.
"Exactly, just like I helped Nicole."
Thanks to Martin's influence, Monster's premiere was attended by numerous A-list celebrities, making it a grand event.
The film itself was excellent, worthy of Charlize Theron's sacrifices.
In the movie, the once-glamorous beauty transformed into an overweight, disheveled lesbian serial killer, complete with fake buck teeth, shaved eyebrows, freckles, and frizzy, straw-like hair.
Honestly, if Martin hadn't known beforehand that the character was played by Charlize, he wouldn't have recognized her.
The film was based on the true story of female serial killer Aileen Wuornos, who was often compared to a real-life Harley Quinn—America's Highway Black Widow.
Director Patty Jenkins' style was uniquely striking—delicate yet infused with a raw, rugged intensity, unusual for a female filmmaker.
The first part of the film depicted Aileen Wuornos' tragic life—her childhood was horrific.
Aileen's mother gave birth to her at 16, and by age 4, she was handed over to her grandfather to raise. At 11, she was assaulted by her brother, and at 13, by her grandfather. By 14, she was pregnant with the child of her grandfather's friend. Her dream of becoming a star faded under the relentless abuse and verbal attacks from her grandfather's family.
Her suffering pushed her into a life of crime—Aileen became addicted to drugs and, to support her habit and survive, turned to sex work, waiting by highways to offer services to truck drivers.
She once fantasized about finding true love among the passing drivers, but they only saw her as a tool for their pleasure.
When Aileen, feeling utterly hopeless, was about to spend her last few dollars before committing suicide, she met another lonely soul, Selby, in a gay bar.
They fell in love.
But Selby was unemployed, so to support them both, Aileen had to return to sex work.
During one encounter, she was assaulted by a violent client. In self-defense, she shot and killed him.
That moment seemed to unleash the demon inside her.
From then on, Aileen, unshackled by morality, became increasingly ruthless, killing without hesitation for money and survival, eventually becoming the infamous Monster.
Aileen undoubtedly deserved her fate.
To avoid accusations of glorifying her crimes, director Patty Jenkins took great care in her approach.
At the same time, Jenkins didn't want to simply tell the story of a deranged killer—she wanted the audience to understand why this woman, who could have lived a normal life, became a monster.
Balancing these elements was tricky, but Jenkins pulled it off masterfully.
Charlize Theron's performance was also pivotal—it was nothing short of breathtaking.
In the end, the film didn't just dwell on Aileen's misery or portray her as a one-dimensional madwoman. Instead, it painted a raw, unfiltered picture of a victim trapped in society's underbelly, staying true to reality.
When the film ended, it received warm applause—though it was still a niche movie.
After the customary Q&A with the cast and crew, Charlize Theron followed Martin home and did everything in her power to please him, giving him a night to remember.
The next day, in high spirits, Martin even penned a personal review of Monster and had it published in the Los Angeles Times.
"With its controversial subject matter and bold, innovative direction, Monster is undoubtedly a masterpiece. Director Patty Jenkins faced protests from victims' families while filming this true story—many feared that portraying a criminal's life would glorify violence and encourage copycats."
"But Jenkins persevered. What's most admirable is that she didn't just make another serial killer flick. Instead, she explored why this woman became the notorious murderer behind seven highway killings. She wanted the audience to understand the roots of crime, not just revel in bloodshed—though the latter would've likely sold more tickets..."
"The film's core isn't about killing—it's about killing for love. Aileen craved love above all else, which was why she was willing to sacrifice everything for Selby, even refusing to implicate her after her arrest."
"Aileen's life was never her choice—just like her nightmarish childhood. No one loved or cared for her. Selby was the only warmth she ever knew, and that's what led to the tragedy."
"We can never truly understand Aileen's psyche, but this film at least lets us glimpse her world. If any of us endured what she did, how many could honestly say they'd turn out any better?"
"So when Aileen raises her gun in the film, fully aware there's no turning back, she isn't just shooting at a person—she's firing bullets at this damned world."
"Charlize Theron's phenomenal performance elevates the film. Before this, audiences knew her as stunning, seductive—her previous roles always highlighted her beauty."
"But here, she buries her glamour, destroys her sex appeal, and becomes a freckled, buck-toothed, overweight woman with wild, greasy hair. If you didn't know it was Charlize, you'd never guess."
"Her fearless transformation brings Aileen to life—not a sanitized version, but the real, ugly truth. It also showcases the determination of modern women to sacrifice for their craft and ambitions, making her all the more extraordinary."
How much influence did Martin have?
The film's box office jumped by 12% after his review was published.
Meanwhile, the Oscar campaign had already begun.
After Nicole, Charlize would be the second Best Actress Martin helped crown.