Sundance

Sunday, January 21-- What could possibly lead human beings to such unspeakable acts? That was the question AN AMERICAN CRIME director Tommy O'Haver (BILLY'S HOLLYWOOD SCREEN KISS, ELLA ENCHANTED) asked himself after the incident occurred involving Sylvia Likens and Gertrude Baniszewski in his hometown of Indianapolis. In 1965, 16-year old girl, Sylvia, was found starved and tortured in the basement of a suburban home. Her beatings were done by her caretaker, Gertrude, and Gertrude's children. The haunting part of this film is that many people knew what was happening to this young girl and did nothing about it. Even more shocking was the barbaric behavior of Gertrude's children. These children took over Gertrude's abusive behavior and would daily go the the basement and torture Sylvia in many ways which included putting cigarettes out on her skin. By far, one of my favorite stories told at Sundance this year. This haunting feature keeps you thoroughly engaged even at an 8am screening. Gertrude is played by Academy Award-nominated Catherine Keener (CAPOTE, FRIENDS WITH MONEY). Sylvia is played by talented Ellen Page (HARD CANDY).

O'Haver gathered his information from from the court transcripts of "Baniszewski v. The State of Indiana". AN AMERICAN CRIME is not only an interpretation of the events based on this court case, but O'Haver added his own interpretation of the events as he imagined the motivations of Gertrude.

AN AMERICAN CRIME is being distributed by First Look Studios.

TMP