An American Crime: Difference between revisions
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'''''An American Crime''''' (also known as ''The Basement'') is a [[2007 in film|2007]] film. It based on the true story of the [[torture]] and [[murder]] of [[Sylvia Likens]] by [[Indiana]] housewife [[Gertrude Baniszewski]]. It premiered at the [[Sundance Film Festival]] in January to controversy amongst the critics, most of whom, nonetheless, lauded the daring performances of [[Catherine Keener]] and, especially, [[Ellen Page]]. According to many sources, the film was planned for a limited release on August 17th. However, due to distributor problems (which remain vastly unknown to the public,) the film did not show up on that date. According to a [http://www.firstshowing.net/schedule2007/ popular online film release schedule], the film's date has been moved to August 31st, with a limited release. |
'''''An American Crime''''' (also known as ''The Basement'') is a [[2007 in film|2007]] film. It based on the true story of the [[torture]] and [[murder]] of [[Sylvia Likens]] by [[Indiana]] housewife [[Gertrude Baniszewski]]. It premiered at the [[Sundance Film Festival]] in January to controversy amongst the critics, most of whom, nonetheless, lauded the daring performances of [[Catherine Keener]] and, especially, [[Ellen Page]]. According to many sources, the film was planned for a limited release on August 17th. However, due to distributor problems (which remain vastly unknown to the public,) the film did not show up on that date. According to a [http://www.firstshowing.net/schedule2007/ popular online film release schedule], the film's date has been moved to August 31st, with a limited release. |
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According to |
According to [[First Look Studios]], the film's DVD release date has been set for Feburary 5th, 2008. |
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==Plot== |
==Plot== |
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Revision as of 22:06, 21 August 2007
| An American Crime | |
|---|---|
 Promotional movie poster for the film | |
| Directed by | Tommy O'Haver |
| Written by | Tommy O'Haver Irene Turner |
| Produced by | Pamela Koffler Kevin Turen Christine Vachon Henry Winterstern |
| Starring | Ellen Page Catherine Keener Ari Graynor James Franco Romy Rosemont Jeremy Sumpter |
| Cinematography | Byron Shah |
| Edited by | Melissa Kent |
| Music by | Alan Ari Lazar |
| Distributed by | First Look International |
Release dates |  January 19, 2007 (Sundance Film Festival)August 17 (wide) |
Running time | 92 min. |
| Country | U.S.A. |
| Language | English |
An American Crime (also known as The Basement) is a 2007 film. It based on the true story of the torture and murder of Sylvia Likens by Indiana housewife Gertrude Baniszewski. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January to controversy amongst the critics, most of whom, nonetheless, lauded the daring performances of Catherine Keener and, especially, Ellen Page. According to many sources, the film was planned for a limited release on August 17th. However, due to distributor problems (which remain vastly unknown to the public,) the film did not show up on that date. According to a popular online film release schedule, the film's date has been moved to August 31st, with a limited release.
According to First Look Studios, the film's DVD release date has been set for Feburary 5th, 2008.
Plot
"This," said Prosecutor Leroy New, "has been the most terrible crime ever committed in the state of Indiana." It was the first crime of child abuse that broke through reticence and denial to register with the public. Academy Award nominee Catherine Keener portrays Gertrude Baniszewski, the seemingly ordinary housewife who imprisons and tortures a beautiful teenager, played by Gemini Award winner Ellen Page, in the basement of her house - two portrayals that will resonate with audiences long after they leave the theatre.
Cast
- Ellen Page as Sylvia Likens
- Catherine Keener as Gertrude Baniszewski
- Ari Graynor as Paula Baniszewski
- James Franco as Dennis Lee Wright
- Romy Rosemont as Betty Likens
- Jeremy Sumpter as Coy Hubbard
- Hayley McFarland as Jenny Likens
- Scout Taylor-Compton as Stephanie Baniszewski
- Hannah Leigh Dworkin as Shirley Baniszewski
- Evan Peters as Ricky Hobbs
- Michael Welch as Teddy Lewis
- Nick Searcy as Lester Likens
- Channing Nichols as Patty Ryan
- Scott Reeves as Eric
- Tristan Jarred as Johnny Baniszewski
- Carlie Westerman as Marie Baniszewski
- Eliza Dean as Mary O'Connel
- Will Carter as Leske
- Bradley Whitford as Leroy K. New
- James E. Meehan as Defence Attorney
Trivia
- The film is based largely on actual court transcripts from the case.
- Ellen Page was the only choice to play Sylvia Likens.
- Most of the cast were completely unaware of the real Likens murder until after they read the script.
- Catherine Keener originally turned down the role of Gertrude Baniszewski, however after she couldn't get the story out of her head she met with director Tommy O'Havor and agreed to do the film.