An American Crime

Overview of movie

An American Crime is a heartbreaking, yet powerful film that tells the real-life story of Sylvia Likens and her tragedy. It chronicles her life as a young girl growing up in the 1960s with her parents, who leave her and her sister in the care of a family friend. But soon, Sylvia finds herself in the hands of the cruel and abusive Gertrude Baniszewski, who subjects her to unimaginable torment.

The film is a harrowing journey of Sylvias struggle, and the lengths to which Gertrude goes to hurt her. It paints a picture of an era in which a child could be so easily overlooked, and it is a vivid reminder of the power of evil.

An American Crime is not only a powerful film, but also a necessary one. It serves as a reminder that we must always be vigilant, so that more tragedies like Sylvias never happen again.

Themes explored

An American Crime (2007) tackles a number of powerful themes, such as the fragility of childhood innocence, the darkness of human nature, and the lack of justice for the victims of crime. Why is it that we as a society are so quick to forget the victims when were faced with a terrible crime? Are we too afraid to confront the realities of what happened? And what can be done to ensure that justice is served? These are all questions that are explored in this dramatic and heartbreaking film.

Basis of movie on true events

An American Crime (2007) is based on the true story of Sylvia Likens, a 16-year-old girl from Indianapolis who was brutally abused and murdered by her guardian Gertrude Baniszewski in 1965. The film takes a deep dive into the horrific events that took place, exploring the motivations and circumstances that led to the tragedy. Its a heartbreaking tale of a vulnerable young girl at the mercy of her abuser, and a sobering reminder of the power of evil. But it also serves as a reminder that real people can be capable of unimaginable cruelty. Its a harrowing story that will stay with viewers long after theyve finished watching.

How the movie differs to real events

An American Crime (2007) is a fictionalized account of the harrowing true story of Sylvia Likens, who was horrifically tortured and murdered by her guardian in 1965. Though the movie captures the events of the crime accurately, it does take some liberties with the facts. For example, in the film the torture is depicted as taking place over a longer period than was the case in reality. In addition, the characters of the Likens parents are portrayed as much more sympathetic than in the actual case, where both were found guilty of neglect. Ultimately, An American Crime is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of such unspeakable acts of cruelty, even if the details of the tragedy have been altered.

Storyline

An American Crime is a powerful and disturbing film that tells the true story of Sylvia Likens, a young girl who was brutally tortured and murdered in 1965. Its a heartbreaking story that asks the question: How could such a horrific crime happen in America?

The film follows the events leading up to Sylvias brutal death and reveals the shocking truth about the people who were involved in her torture and the circumstances that made it possible. It is a deeply disturbing and heartbreaking story that will stay with you long after you watch it.

Characters

Characters in An American Crime are integral to the story. In order to understand the complexity of the story, its important to understand the characters. Sylvia Likens is the main character, a teenage girl who is sent to live with Gertrude Baniszewski after her parents go away on a trip. Gertrude is a single mother of seven children, who takes in Sylvia while her parents are away. The story follows their relationship and how it turns into a nightmare for Sylvia. The other characters in the movie include Gertrudes children, Paula, Stephanie, Johnny, and Coy Hubbard, who all participate in the torture of Sylvia. Ricky Hobbs, an older neighbor, also plays an important role in the story. He is a witness to the events that take place in Gertrudes house, but is unable to help Sylvia. The characters in An American Crime are complex and multifaceted, making the story one of the most gripping and powerful films of its time.

Critical reception

Critics have been largely divided in their reception of An American Crime. Many have praised the film for its uncompromising depiction of the true story of Sylvia Likens and its powerful performances. On the other hand, some have criticized the film for being too graphic and disturbing.

I cant help but wonder, what is it that makes this film so divisive? Is it the films commitment to staying true to the horrific events depicted, or is it something else?

Awards

Have you ever wondered what awards this movie has won?

Well, An American Crime (2007) has won numerous awards, including the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and the Austin Film Critics Award for Best Picture. It was also nominated for several other awards, such as a Satellite Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries.

Its no wonder the film has received so much recognition—it is truly a remarkable movie.

Issues with movie

Have you seen An American Crime (2007)? If so, you may have noticed it deals with some difficult issues. After all, it is a movie about the horrific abuse and murder of a young girl and the trial of her killer. It’s an emotionally draining experience, and one could argue that it’s a difficult subject to make a movie about. However, some would argue that it’s important for us to watch and discuss these kinds of movies, as it can help us to understand the world around us - and maybe even help us to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.

Controversies surrounding the real events

When it comes to the real events that inspired the movie An American Crime (2007), controversy quickly follows. Was Sylvia Likens really treated as badly as portrayed in the film? Did her mother and stepfather truly offer her up for abuse? Was this an isolated incident or part of a much larger problem?

These questions and more have been asked since the release of the movie, and although the film itself is not necessarily controversial, the events it depicts certainly have been. From claims of fabricated evidence to investigators who may have mishandled the case, the real-life story behind An American Crime has certainly had its share of controversy.

Summary of article

An American Crime is a gripping drama based on the true story of Sylvia Likens, a young girl who is cruelly abused and tortured by her caretaker, Gertrude Baniszewski. The film follows Sylvias heartbreaking journey while also exploring the complexity of human nature and the darkness of the human soul. It is a powerful reminder of the need to protect vulnerable children and the importance of justice. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglect and abuse, and how far people can go when they are driven by malice and cruelty.

Reflection on the movie

An American Crime is a powerful and harrowing movie, prompting viewers to reflect on the heinous crime that was committed against a young girl. How could someone do something so horrific and inhuman? To what extent are we responsible for the actions of others? Is our justice system truly just? These are questions that linger long after the movie has ended. The film provides an opportunity to reflect on society and the way we treat one another, and to consider how we can work together to make sure something like this never happens again.