An American Crime |  | Director: Tommy O'Haver
Actors: Ellen Page, Hayley McFarland, Catherine Keener, Michael O'Keefe, Ari Graynor
Studio: FIRST LOOK PICTURES
Category: DVD
List Price: $24.98
Buy Used: $0.73
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Seller: Encore Entertainment
Rating:  39 reviews
Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Languages: English (Original Language), Spanish (Subtitled)
Rating: R (Restricted)
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 92 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: FLP-11419
UPC: 687797114198
EAN: 0687797114198
Theatrical Release Date: 2007
Release Date: August 19, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | Based on a true story that shocked the nation in 1965, the film recounts one of the most shocking crimes ever committed against a single victim. Sylvia and Jennie Fae Likens, the two daughters of traveling carnival workers are left for an extended stay at the Indianapolis (3850 E. New York St. is hardly suburban, nor was it in 1965, by any stretch of the imagination.) home of single mother Gertrud |
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Product Description
GERTRUDE IS A SEEMINGLY ORDINARY HOUSEWIFE WHO IMPRISONS & TORTURES A BEAUTIFUL TEENAGER IN THE BASEMENT OF HER HOUSE.
Amazon.com
An extended sleepover turns tragic for two sisters in this fact-based tele-film. After their carnival worker parents separate, Sylvia (Juno's Ellen Page) and Jennie Fae Likens (Hayley McFarland) move in with Gertrude "Gertie" Baniszewski (Emmy nominee Catherine Keener), a divorced Indianapolis mother with seven children (six in the screenplay). The kids get along, so the Likens figure Gertie will offer a safe haven until they return. Little do they realize she has a substance-abuse problem, a history of mental illness, and a layabout lover (James Franco). Even with the money the Likens send and the washing she takes in, Gertie can't make ends meet, so she takes her frustration out on her boarders. Since Jennie has polio, Sylvia bears the brunt of her anger: beatings, cigarette burns, and worse. Then when Sylvia tries to protect Paula (Nick and Norah's Ari Graynor) from an abusive boyfriend, Paula turns against her, too (Sylvia tells him about Paula's pregnancy). Like dominoes, the rest of the extended family falls in line. Three months later, their torture culminates in murder. Throughout, the narrative alternates between 1965 and the ensuing court case, in which prosecutor Leroy K. New (The West Wing's Bradley Whitford) cross-examines witnesses and defendants, whose testimony comes from the original transcripts. If An American Crime, which aired on Showtime, makes for difficult viewing, former Indianapolis resident Tommy O'Haver (Ella Enchanted) renders a salacious story as tactfully as possible, and his cast is always convincing--painfully so in the case of Ms. Keener. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 39
Disturbingly moving October 3, 2009
Billy Goodheart (New Jersey, USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
A disturbing film based on a true story about a young innocent girl becoming entangled in the wrath of an over-protective, delusional mother. Great cinematography especially at the beginning of the film. It feels very foreboding; you sense something horrible is coming, but you don't know exactly what it is or what form it will take. Later on, it brings the movie's pain and malevolence right into your face. The carousel scenes in the beginning and the end are haunting.
As I'd hoped, Ellen Page sheds her typical quirky indie girl role and assumes one much more difficult to master: that of a young, shy yet happy girl who is forced to face and endure the darkest and most evil aspects of the uptight early 1960's American household. This is easily Page and Catherine Keener's best performance to date, especially Keener, who I've always seen play a more cheerful character in previous films.
On the negative side, this probably isn't a film you'll want to watch again, as it is virtually devoid of happiness and hope. Watch An American Crime once and you'll feel disturbed, angry, and sad all at once. Definitely not a movie for those late night chill sessions with buddies, but a powerful and fascinating movie nonetheless.
Devastating film August 21, 2009
Edmonson (Canada)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This was a truly disturbing film based on a true life story.
One of the most disturbing aspects of it is how the children are taught to disrespect another's life, and how easily children's amorality can lead them to do such horrible things, not to mention the horrible things done by the adult, Gertrude Baniszewski, who has Sylvia in her care.
It's nearly unbelievable if it weren't true. I'm reminded of the book "Lord of the Flies".
The very end offers a dream sequence that gives us hope and surprises us, but then leaves us in anguish once we realize what has transpired. Mercifully we are not shown Sylvia's death. One has the impression that much worse things were done to Sylvia than we are even shown in the film.
Ellen Page (Sylvia) and Catherine Keener (Gertrude) give amazing performances.
It is a story like this that makes us realize that it isn't just the ones who commit the crimes that are the criminals, but also those that look on and do nothing.
 Heart wrenching August 6, 2009
Rev. Hosanna Nelson (Manhattan, KS)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I, too, was abused as a child/teen. I've never felt sorry for myself as I always knew others out there had it worse than I did, all be it my abuse was bad enough. The story of this young girl's abuse is one of courage, but also one beyond tragic. It will be difficult to swallow. Not advisable for young viewers. This movie leaves you wondering why she didn't run away. The movie didn't do her injuries justice. She would've been much too fragile to do such a thing. I'm glad the movie spared us all the details, the ones it shows are horrific enough. Even though this takes place in the 60's, it's awesome for prodding us into getting involved no matter what the era. I get involved, no matter the risk. I dial 911 if nothing else. It always sits in my mind, I just might be saving a life. I wish someone had intervened for me and I know Sylvia wishes the same.
Did I see this somehwere else? July 18, 2009
anniewilkes (northeast)
This stroyline sounds A LOT like from the movie-- "The Girl Next Door" is it a documentary made of it? Is it taken from that movie or vice versa? sure seems to me like same movie-different title......
Shocking movie, will keep you on edge. June 24, 2009
Philip Gossett (The Deep Dark South.)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
In an era of lousy movies, a lot of them, this delivers. This movie kept us on edge the whole time. True stories make the best. Sure bet here.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 39
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