An American Crime

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0802948/
Sylvia (Ellen Page) and her sister Jennie ( Hayley MacFarland) is living with Gertrude (Catherine Keener) and her 6 children after their parents have gone on a roadtrip with an cirkus/tivoli.
Jennie and Sylvia seems to get along with all the children, the have pillowfights, do make up on eachother (mostly hair) before going out and meeting some of the boys.

Jennie and Sylvia














The whole situation soon enough turns from an idyllic time of innocent to a nightmare, for Sylvia. And Gertrude, she only wanna punish poor Sylvia…

An american crime is based on the controversial torture and death of Sylvia Likens.
Those of you who have seen the movie; “the based on story” Robert Ketchum´s The girl next door, wich is reviewed here, might wanna see this. The rest of you should also see An american crime.

What is the difference between AAC (AN american crime) and TGND (The girl next door)?
TGND is told from the boy Davids side and have more about the torture and pain, AAC is told from the actual court case. The prosecutor asks questions and then the story goes along so to speak. Personally I am not a fan of court reletad movies, but since they spend so little time there, 2-3 minutes at max, AAC gives an interresting comparison to TGND. Do not expect a gutpunch like TGND is. Sure AAC is brutal, the most violence is happening outside the screen tough.

Sylvia being tortured













The acting of Catherine and Ellen is great. The children is not so much involved in this as in TGND. This is a battle between Sylvia and Gertrude, Ellen Page also narrates this movie.

Alltough AAC is a good movie and a sad one about the horrific case, it is a movie you not have to buy. A definitive watch for sure.
More a drama then the psychological rape that TGND is.
On the other hand, AAC might work better for you then TGND does.

Trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yn-RqhFl3Xs

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-Who is in charge here?
-You are mama.
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-Don´t worry Jennie. Mom is just teaching her.
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- Since you brand my daughter, I have to brand you.

More on Sylvia Likens
http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/notorious_murders/young/likens/1.html

More on Gertrude and her life and crime
http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/notorious_murders/young/likens/2.html