Search - An American Crime on DVD

An American Crime

Actor(s): Catherine Keener, Ellen Page, James Franco, Bradley Whitford, Ari Graynor
Director(s): Tommy O'Haver
13

Movie Details

MPAA Rating: R
Content Advisory: Violence, Children in Peril
Movie Release: 2007
DVD Release: 08/19/2008
Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV
Audio Tracks: English
Subtitles: Spanish
SwapaDVD Credits: 1
Number of Discs: 1
Run Time: 1 hrs 32 mins
Studio: First Look Pictures
Members Wishing: 7
Genres: Drama, Courtroom Drama, True Crime

DVD Synopsis

The true story of a young girl held captive by her insane caretaker comes to life in this disturbing film from Ella Enchanted director Tommy O'Haver. Hard Candy's Ellen Page stars as Sylvia Likens a teenager who, along with her sister, is left to live temporarily with seemigly-mild-mannered housewife Gertrude Baniszewski, played by Catherine Keener. Unfortunately for Sylvia, Gertrude soon snaps and holds her hostage in harsh conditions until the former's eventual death. Bradley Whitford costars as the prosecutor tasked with trying the case against Baniszewski. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide

Actors

Catherine Keener - Gertrude Baniszewski
Ellen Page - Sylvia Likens
James Franco - Andy
Bradley Whitford - Prosecutor
Ari Graynor - Paula Baniszewski

Member Movie Reviews

Jessica R. (JessyBird03) from COLLEGE STA, TX wrote on 7/24/2009...

0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

I thought this was an excellent, but disturbing, movie. I thought the acting was superb. I'm glad I didn't read the synopsis before watching it, because I was completely surprised at the twist at the end. I thought all of the actors did a good job at portraying their parts. The subject matter is sad and gruesome, and as a whole, we don't like to see that, but this movie deserves a chance... especially since it is based on a true story.

Meg B. (Megatron) from TACOMA, WA wrote on 6/8/2009...

I watched this movie only because Ellen Page is in it. I really thought the pairing of Ellen and Catherine Keener would make for a spectacular movie but, alas, that was not the case. If you are interested in this story you should really watch Jack Ketchum's The Girl Next Door.

Molly S. from ROSEBURG, OR wrote on 12/10/2008...

5 of 7 member(s) found this review helpful.

This movie was very horrific. The emotions of the story are portrayed well and the cast is great. However if you have a queasy stomach I do not recommend this movie. It deals with very violent child abuse and is very disturbing.

SPOILERS BELOW!
This movie does NOT end well. It will leave you with a bad taste in your mouth and a twist in your gut. Very disturbing and very honest view on abuse.

Christa B. (romeo) from LAWRENCEVILLE, IL wrote on 8/5/2008...

0 of 5 member(s) found this review helpful.

I thought this movie was very poorly done. I thought Catherine Keener did a horrible job, I didn't think she portrayed any brutality or evil that the part needed. It was a horrific crime that was underplayed purposely by the director because he didn't think the family deserved the reminder. Unfortunately, it also underscored the crime. Ellen Page was also unbelievable in the part. JMO

Christa