Sarah Paulson has heard the comparisons to Charlize Theron’s famous Aileen Wuornos performance. The actress now wants people to understand why she took on the role herself. Paulson says she never entered the project hoping to beat Theron’s work. Instead, she wanted to bring her own view of Wuornos to the screen.
Sarah insists her Aileen Wuornos portrayal was never meant to surpass Charlize Theron’s Monster role
Paulson discussed the reaction during a Sept. 28 appearance on the Shut Up Evan podcast. She said people keep placing her performance beside Theron’s work in the 2003 film Monster. “I didn’t set out to do something better than Charlize Theron,” Paulson explained. She also called Theron’s performance “the most glorious performance in the world.”
Paulson said actors can play the same role in many different ways. She compared the situation to her experience with theater, where performers often take on roles that others played before them. “People get to reinterpret great plays all the time,” she said. Paulson added that she sees acting as “the exploration of human behavior” through personal experience and interpretation.
That approach shaped how Paulson played Wuornos in Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story. “This is my interpretation of Aileen Wuornos based on the research I did and based on my personhood,” she said. Paulson stressed that she never wanted to copy or challenge another actor’s work. “It’s not an attempt to do something like anybody ever did,” she added.
Paulson also acknowledged that she was aware that comparisons would be made before she took the job. “People are going to compare it to Charlize,” she recalled thinking after Ryan Murphy offered her the part. She questioned why she would take on a role that could invite that reaction. “And then I thought, but I want to try,” Paulson said.
Paulson ultimately focused on the chance to explore the character in her own way. She described the role as a huge artistic challenge and said she feels she is fortunate to have the opportunity. The actress also praised Murphy for continuing to give her unusual roles. “He lets me do the craziest s–t,” Paulson said.
Paulson’s comments make clear that her Aileen Wuornos portrayal aimed to offer a fresh interpretation rather than compete with Theron’s acclaimed performance. Her approach highlights how different actors can bring distinct perspectives to the same real-life figure.
