Overkill: the Aileen Wuornos Story

This formulaic yet gripping true story crime drama focuses on serial killer Aileen Wuornos, who was found guilty of murdering seven men in Florida at the beginning of the 1990s and was on death row when the film was made. Jean Smart is electrifying as the hooker who turns on her clients and there's fine support from reliable character actor Brion James. Director Peter Levin, who was responsible for the equally controversial true story Rape and Marriage: the Rideout Case, works wonders within the made-for-TV format and manages to avoid overcooking the most sensationalistic aspects of the story. The case was revisited in 2003's Monster, for which Charlize Theron won the best actress Oscar for her portrayal of Wuornos.