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- The True Story Behind An American Crime and The Girl Next Door
- An American Crime Cast and Approach to the Source Material
- The Girl Next Door Cast and Approach to the Source Material
- Which Movie is Better, An American Crime or The Girl Next Door?
As a true crime enthusiast who has spent countless hours delving into the darkest corners of human behavior, I have to admit that both “An American Crime” and “The Girl Next Door” left a profound impact on me. However, if I had to choose based on my personal experience and preference, I would lean towards Tommy O’Haver’s “An American Crime.”
One intriguing yet disturbing true story about child abuse in America’s history gave rise to two movies released in the same year, 2007. The grisly real-life incident led to intense debates and sparked the creation of “An American Crime” and “The Girl Next Door.” Both films presented unique perspectives on the tragic events surrounding Sylvia Likens’ murder, but which one stands out as superior?
As a movie enthusiast with a deep interest in true crime stories, I’m excited to delve into the intriguing case that served as the basis for both “An American Crime” and “The Girl Next Door.” Having seen both films, I’d like to share my thoughts on their unique approaches and the exceptional performances from their talented casts.
The True Story Behind An American Crime and The Girl Next Door
In 1965, the shocking murder of Sylvia Likens in Indianapolis, Indiana, garnered widespread attention due to its extreme violence. The 16-year-old girl and her younger sister Jenny were placed under the supervision of Gertrude Baniszewski, a troubled woman who befriended their family. In exchange for looking after the girls while their parents were away for work, Gertrude demanded compensation.
For a span of three months, Sylvia endured persistent mistreatment from Gertrude, her kids, and local teenagers. This harassment took various forms: frequent beatings, burning with lit cigarettes, scalding with boiling water, sexual degradation, forced hunger and thirst, being made to consume feces, and having vulgar markings inflicted on her body.
I was Sylvia, a victim of unspeakable cruelty back in October 1965. My life was brutally taken away due to extensive injuries, which caused my brain to swell, internal hemorrhaging, and shock. The horrifying toll on my body was evident at the autopsy, with over 150 painful wounds discovered. The heinous crime that ended my life brought about a significant change in Indianapolis law. The public revelation of countless adults who were aware yet failed to act against the abuse shook the community. As a result, mandatory reporting on suspects of child abuse was implemented in the state, ensuring that those in positions of trust no longer turn a blind eye to such atrocities.
Gertrude Baniszewski was given a life sentence for her role in the murder. Initially, Paula Baniszewski (Gertrude’s daughter) was handed down a life sentence for her involvement in the murder, but on appeal, she received a mandatory manslaughter sentence with a prison term of 2 to 21 years. Coy Hubbard, Richard Hobbs, and John Baniszewski Jr. were among the children implicated in the torture and faced manslaughter charges. After serving 18 months in prison, they were released on probation.
An American Crime Cast and Approach to the Source Material
Elliot Page, who later gained recognition for his roles in “Juno” and “X-Men: The Last Stand,” made his mark as Sylvia Likens in the film “An American Crime.” At that point, Page was an unfamiliar face, with “An American Crime” being released prior to his breakout performances. He had previously appeared in “Hard Candy” and portrayed Kitty Pryde in “X-Men: The Last Stand.” Notable actors like Peter Evans, Hayley McFarland, James Franco (in a minor role), and Catherine Keener (as Gertrude Baniszewski) joined the cast. Keener later gained fame for her roles in “Being John Malkovich” and “Capote.”
In the heart-wrenching role of Sylvia Likens in “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” Elliot Page portrayed a mother who made unimaginable choices. I was that child, given away to shield her own offspring from harm. And she, in turn, surrendered them to save herself. It’s an agonizing cycle of sacrifice.
Tommy O’Haver, the director and writer, drew inspiration from the actual court hearings related to Sylvia Likens’ murder at the hands of Gertrude Baniszewski and her teenage associates. Originally meant for a cinematic debut, the film encountered complications with its initial distributor, resulting in its broadcast as a TV special on Showtime Network in 2008, one year following its Sundance premiere. Despite this late start, “An American Crime” garnered accolades, including a Golden Globe and an Emmy for Catherine Keener’s powerful portrayal of Gertrude Baniszewski.
The Girl Next Door Cast and Approach to the Source Material
Gregory Wilson helmed “The Girl Next Door,” his most recognized work among his three directorial projects. The film’s production marked his last effort before the made-for-TV movie “Ghoul” released in 2012. Blythe Auffarth portrays Meg Loughlin, a character inspired by Sylvia Likens, while Blanche Baker brings Gertrude Baniszewski to life through her depiction of Ruth Chandler. William Atherton joins the cast as David Moran, a fictional character who shares reflections on the past and provides continuous narration. The remaining actors in this production are mainly known for their work within the indie scene, experiencing moderate success in smaller films and television programs.
Instead of “An American Crime,” the film “The Girl Next Door” is derived from Jack Ketchum’s horror novel with the same title, which was influenced by the real-life murder of Sylvia Likens. The book reimagines the setting, time, and characters, but retains striking similarities to the actual events. For instance, Gertrude and her children in the story write insults on Sylvia’s body, mirroring the horrific crimes committed. Both the novel and the film have sparked controversy due to their graphic portrayal of these tragic incidents, earning them the derisive label of “torture porn.” The families of the victims have protested against the fictionalization of their suffering.
Which Movie is Better, An American Crime or The Girl Next Door?
When making a choice between the two films, it’s clear that “The Girl Next Door,” directed by Gregory M. Wilson, stands out. Its striking visual style and raw storytelling make it more impactful. Although its cast may not be as well-known, their performances are commendable and on par with those in “An American Crime.” Additionally, the framing narrative of “The Girl Next Door” adds a deeper emotional connection compared to the courtroom drama of “An American Crime.”
Instead of “However, An American Crime will be the superior choice for most,” you could say: “An American Crime, directed by Tommy O’Haver, is likely to be preferred by many due to its factual basis. This film presents a clearer representation of the events based on real court proceedings, making it more appealing to true crime enthusiasts. In contrast, The Girl Next Door may be criticized as exploitative and sensational. Although An American Crime contains disturbing elements, its depiction is less extreme compared to The Girl Next Door. Viewers who are not accustomed to graphic violence in films should exercise caution with the latter.”
As a movie enthusiast with a soft spot for true crime stories, I’ve had the pleasure of discovering two intriguing films that retell the shocking events of the same real-life crime from different perspectives. If you’re like me and want an authentic portrayal of the facts, I highly recommend checking out “An American Crime” which is available to stream on Netflix, Fubo, Peacock, or Apple TV+.
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2024-07-19 02:31