An American Crime

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An American Crime (also known as The Basement) is a 2007 film based on the true story of the torture and murder of Sylvia Likens by Indianapolis 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. The film will officially premiere on the US cable network, Showtime, in 2008.

Plot

"This," said Prosecutor Leroy New (portrayed by Bradley Whitford), "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. Catherine Keener portrays Gertrude Baniszewski, the seemingly ordinary housewife who imprisons and tortures to death a teenaged girl, played by Ellen Page, in the basement of her house.

Production notes

Most of the cast were completely unaware of the real Likens murder until after they read the script, which was based largely on actual court transcripts from the case. 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'Haver and agreed to do the film. Ellen Page was the only choice to play Sylvia Likens.

Likens based films

Another film inspired by the Likens tragedy, The Girl Next Door (based on the acclaimed novel by Jack Ketchum) was also produced in 2007. Directed by Gregory Wilson, it stars Blanche Baker as the torturer and Blythe Auffarth as the tortured girl. The film was released in December 2007 to mostly positive reviews.

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 (a composite character of real-life people Mike Monroe and Randy Lepper)
• Nick Searcy as Lester Likens
• Channing Nichols as Patty Ryan (a composite character of real-life people Darlene MacGuire, Anna Siscoe and Judy Duke)
• 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 Defense Attorney

References

External links

• Tommy O'Haver's An American Crime blog
• First Look International
• Dark Horizons
• Variety
• First Showings Release Schedule

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Last updated on Wednesday February 27, 2008 at 01:30:14 PST (GMT -0800)
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