Cast
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Elliot Page
as Sylvia Likens
Catherine Keener
as Gertrude Baniszewski
Hayley McFarland
as Jennifer Faye 'Jennie' Likens
Nick Searcy
as Lester Likens
Romy Rosemont
as Betty Likens
Ari Graynor
as Paula Baniszewski
Scout Taylor-Compton
as Stephanie Baniszewski
Tristan Jarred
as Johnny Baniszewski
Hannah Leigh
as Shirley Baniszewski
Bradley Whitford
as Prosecutor
James Franco
as Andy
Scott Eastwood
as Eric
Michael O'Keefe
as Reverend Bill Collier
Carlie Westerman
as Marie Baniszewski
Michelle Benes
as Hope Orbach
Crew
Director
- Tommy O'Haver
Producer
- Jocelyn Hayes
Reviews
Andres Gomez
Very good performances from Ellen Page and Catherine Keener for quite an empty movie.
Could have been done much, much better with a proper direction and script.
Jan 27, 2013
HikariWS
Nice point of view of the torturers.
It'd be easy to just show them as evil demons having fun doing bad things. I liked how the script portrays what they might had thought, sometimes very subtle.
As the guy who had a crush on her and was rejected while she was still free, and later marked her. Paula who was pregnant and projected all her issues on Sylvia and wanted her to be seen as a prostitute. And Gertrudes herself who was old and ugly and probably was envy of Sylvia.
Such possible motivations were shown without stimulating us to feel anger for them.
Apr 21, 2021
Thematic Analysis
This Crime/Drama/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. An American Crime presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Tommy O'Haver brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2007, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of An American Crime took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $2.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 127 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 354 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2007, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While An American Crime shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dead Man Walking, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, An American Crime subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Shining and Manhattan explore similar territory, An American Crime stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 27, 2007
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- Budget: $2,000,000
Where to Watch
