An American Crime
Drama
FIRST LOOK PICTURES  (9/27/2007) 92 mins R

7.4 (4,516 votes)
"This," said Prosecutor Leroy New, "has been the most terrible crime ever committed in the state of Indiana;" the first crime of child abuse that broke through reticence and denial to register with the public. In Tommy O'Haver's heartbreaking and hard-hitting film, AN AMERICAN CRIME, Academy Award ® nominee Catherine Keener portrays Gertrude Baniszewski, the seemingly ordinary housewife who imprisons and tortures a beautiful teenager, played by Academy Award ® nominee Ellen Page, in the basement of her house - two portrayals that will resonate with audiences long after they leave the theatre. AN AMERICAN CRIME also stars James Franco and Bradley Whitford....

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Cast and Crew
Ellen Page  ......  Sylvia Likens
Catherine Keener  ......  Gertrude Baniszewski
Hayley McFarland  ......  Jennifer Faye 'Jennie' Likens
Ari Graynor  ......  Paula Baniszewski
Evan Peters  ......  Ricky Hobbs
Bradley Whitford  ......  Leroy K. New
Director  .....  Tommy O'Haver
Producer  .....  Jocelyn Hayes; Pamela Koffler; Katie Roumel
Writer  .....  Tommy O'Haver; Irene Turner
Notes
Goofs:
Anachronisms: Though set in Fifties, kids call one another "doofus" and "dork"--words that didn't spring up as youthful put-downs until Seventies or Eighties. (more)

Trivia:
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. (more)

Filming Locations:
Los Angeles, California, USA

Quotes:
Gertrude Baniszewski: You know what it's like to be sick, Sylvia. I've been sick for so long, too. I can't... discipline my kids they was I should. I punish them I know, but... sometimes with my medicine I gets so I don't know what I'm doing.
[begins to cry]
Gertrude Baniszewski: And I care for them so much. Paula, the thing is... Paula's a lot like me. I had her when I was just about your age. Then Stephanie. Then all the others. Then John left... And here I am on medicine, doing whatever I can to keep my family together. I want something better for Paula... There has to be something better... And I need to protect my children...
[...]
(more)

Awards:
Nominated for Primetime Emmy. (more)