An American Crime

Like the previous reviewer, I had first seen The Girl Next Door. I was so appalled by what it depicted that I researched the incident upon which the film was based and discovered that a more accurate docu-drama had been filmed as An American Crime. I consider this to be a rather well made film and in terms of factual accuracy, superior to TGND. Ellen Page is simply amazing; I have no idea how a girl of such tender years could give so compelling and heart wrenching a performance. She is much more plausible as the innocent victim than was Blythe Auffert in TGND. Blythe was rather too old to be entirely convincing in the role. The story this film portrays is a dark and unmitigated tragedy although handled with commendable sensitivity. It is likely to make you weep with frustration as much as pity. How could the neighbours have been so indifferent once it had become clear that something was seriously wrong with the index household? One of them is actually depicted as saying, 'best not to get involved' when the child's piercing screams could be heard out in the street. This film inevitably raises as many questions as it answers but that is only to be expected given the known facts of the case. But the film does present us all with two critical questions: how can a human being perpetrate acts of unspeakable cruelty to another and still believe they had a right to do so? Can silence in the face of manifest wrong-doing ever be anything other than active collusion with the perpetrator? No; this is not a film for a comfortable afternoons viewing with a few beers. It will make you question your own humanity and might reveal some uncomfortable answers.

I saw this film some time ago. I have also seen The Girl Next Door. Both films tell exactly the same story with a few subtle differences on the true story of the torture and murder of Sylvia Likens. I have read that there was no other choice of actress considered for this film for the role of Sylvia but Ellen Page - who's acting is extremely powerful. As a mother I squirmed with anger and horror at the horrific abuse and torture of a child. This film really gets under your skin and you'll have a hard time forgetting about it. It's harder still to understand - the story needed to be told but it will break your heart