What is "An American Crime"?
An American Crime is a 2007 American crime drama film directed by Tommy O'Haver and starring Catherine Keener, Ellen Page, and James Franco. The film is based on the true story of Sylvia Likens, a 16-year-old girl who was tortured and murdered by Gertrude Baniszewski and her children in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1965.
The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $20 million worldwide. It was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Keener and Best Supporting Actress for Page. An American Crime is a powerful and disturbing film that explores the dark side of human nature.
The film's historical context is important to understand. In the 1960s, America was undergoing a period of social and cultural change. The civil rights movement was gaining momentum, and the Vietnam War was dividing the country. An American Crime is a reminder of the dark side of this era.
The film's main article topics include:
- The true story of Sylvia Likens
- The trial of Gertrude Baniszewski and her children
- The social and cultural context of the 1960s
An American Crime
The murder of Jenny Likens is one of the most horrific crimes in American history. In 1965, the 16-year-old girl was tortured and killed by Gertrude Baniszewski and her children in Indianapolis, Indiana. The crime shocked the nation and led to a public outcry for justice.
- Victim: Jenny Likens was a 16-year-old girl who was tortured and killed by Gertrude Baniszewski and her children.
- Perpetrator: Gertrude Baniszewski was a 37-year-old woman who tortured and killed Jenny Likens.
- Motive: The motive for the crime is unknown. Some believe that Baniszewski was jealous of Likens' youth and beauty.
- Trial: Baniszewski and her children were convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.
- Aftermath: The crime had a profound impact on the community of Indianapolis. It led to a public outcry for justice and a change in the way that child abuse is handled.
- Legacy: The murder of Jenny Likens is a reminder of the dark side of human nature. It is a story that continues to shock and horrify people today.
The murder of Jenny Likens is a complex and disturbing crime. It is a story of violence, abuse, and neglect. It is a story that raises important questions about the nature of evil and the responsibility of society to protect its children.
Personal Details and Bio Data of Gertrude Baniszewski
| Name | Gertrude Baniszewski |
| Birth Date | September 19, 1929 |
| Death Date | June 16, 1990 |
| Occupation | Factory worker |
| Known for | Torturing and murdering Jenny Likens |
Victim
The murder of Jenny Likens is a central component of the film An American Crime. The film tells the story of the crime in detail, and it explores the motives of the perpetrators and the impact of the crime on the victim's family and friends.
The murder of Jenny Likens was a horrific crime that shocked the nation. It is a reminder of the dark side of human nature and the importance of protecting children from abuse.
The case of Jenny Likens is also a reminder of the importance of speaking out against abuse. If you see something, say something. You could save a life.
Perpetrator
Gertrude Baniszewski is the central figure in the case of An American Crime. She was the woman who tortured and killed Jenny Likens. Baniszewski was a deeply disturbed individual with a history of violence and child abuse. She was also a pathological liar who often made up stories about her past.
Baniszewski's motive for killing Jenny Likens is unknown. Some believe that she was jealous of Likens' youth and beauty. Others believe that she was simply a sadist who enjoyed inflicting pain on others.
Whatever her motive, Baniszewski's actions were horrific. She tortured Likens for weeks, eventually killing her by burning her with cigarettes and scalding her with boiling water. Likens' death was a slow and agonizing one.
Baniszewski's crime shocked the nation. It was one of the most horrific cases of child abuse in American history. Baniszewski was eventually convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.
The case of An American Crime is a reminder of the dark side of human nature. It is a story of violence, abuse, and neglect. It is a story that raises important questions about the nature of evil and the responsibility of society to protect its children.
Motive
The motive for Gertrude Baniszewski's murder of Jenny Likens is unknown. However, some believe that Baniszewski was jealous of Likens' youth and beauty. This is a common motive for murder, especially among women.
- Jealousy: Jealousy is a powerful emotion that can drive people to do terrible things. In the case of Baniszewski, she may have been jealous of Likens' youth and beauty. Likens was a young, attractive girl, while Baniszewski was a middle-aged woman who was struggling with her own self-esteem.
- Envy: Envy is a related emotion that can also lead to violence. Baniszewski may have envied Likens' youth and beauty, and she may have wanted to destroy what she could not have.
- Sadism: Sadism is a psychological disorder that is characterized by the enjoyment of inflicting pain on others. Baniszewski may have been a sadist, and she may have enjoyed torturing and killing Likens.
It is important to note that these are just some of the possible motives for Baniszewski's crime. The true motive may never be known.
Trial
The trial of Gertrude Baniszewski and her children was a major media event. The trial lasted for several months, and it was covered extensively by the press. The jury found Baniszewski and her children guilty of murder, and they were sentenced to life in prison.
The trial was an important step in the process of bringing justice to Jenny Likens' family. It also helped to raise awareness of the issue of child abuse. The trial showed that even the most heinous crimes can be punished, and it gave hope to other victims of child abuse.
The trial is a reminder of the importance of speaking out against abuse. If you see something, say something. You could save a life.
Aftermath
The murder of Jenny Likens was a horrific crime that shocked the nation. It led to a public outcry for justice and a change in the way that child abuse is handled. In the aftermath of the crime, the community of Indianapolis came together to demand justice for Jenny and to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.
One of the most important changes that came about in the aftermath of the crime was the creation of new laws to protect children from abuse. These laws made it easier to prosecute child abusers and increased the penalties for those who were convicted.
In addition to new laws, the aftermath of the crime also led to a change in the way that child abuse is handled by social service agencies. Social workers and other professionals were given more training on how to recognize and report child abuse. They were also given more resources to help them investigate cases of child abuse and to provide support to victims and their families.
The changes that were made in the aftermath of the murder of Jenny Likens have helped to make our communities safer for children. However, there is still more work to be done. We must continue to raise awareness of the issue of child abuse and to demand justice for victims. We must also continue to support organizations that are working to prevent child abuse and to provide support to victims and their families.
Legacy
The murder of Jenny Likens is a stark reminder of the capacity for evil that exists within human beings. The crime was so horrific that it shocked the nation and continues to horrify people today. The case is a reminder that even in the most civilized societies, there is a dark side to human nature that can erupt at any time.
- The capacity for evil: The murder of Jenny Likens is a chilling example of the capacity for evil that exists within human beings. The perpetrators of the crime were ordinary people who committed unspeakable acts of violence against a defenseless child. The case is a reminder that even the most seemingly normal people are capable of great evil.
- The importance of vigilance: The murder of Jenny Likens is a reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting our children from harm. The perpetrators of the crime were able to abuse and torture Jenny for weeks because no one intervened. The case is a reminder that we all have a responsibility to look out for the children in our lives and to report any suspected abuse.
- The power of hope: Despite the horrific nature of the crime, the story of Jenny Likens is also a story of hope. Jenny's family and friends have worked tirelessly to keep her memory alive and to raise awareness of the issue of child abuse. Their efforts have helped to make a difference in the lives of countless children. The case is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.
The murder of Jenny Likens is a tragedy that should never be forgotten. The case is a reminder of the dark side of human nature, the importance of vigilance, and the power of hope. We must all work together to create a world where children are safe from harm.
Frequently Asked Questions about "An American Crime
This section provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the film "An American Crime: Jenny Likens".
Question 1:What is "An American Crime: Jenny Likens" about?
Answer: "An American Crime: Jenny Likens" is a 2007 American crime drama film based on the true story of Sylvia Likens, a 16-year-old girl who was tortured and murdered by Gertrude Baniszewski and her children in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1965.
Question 2:Who directed "An American Crime: Jenny Likens"?
Answer: "An American Crime: Jenny Likens" was directed by Tommy O'Haver.
Question 3:Who stars in "An American Crime: Jenny Likens"?
Answer: "An American Crime: Jenny Likens" stars Catherine Keener, Ellen Page, and James Franco.
Question 4:What is the significance of "An American Crime: Jenny Likens"?
Answer: "An American Crime: Jenny Likens" is a powerful and disturbing film that explores the dark side of human nature. The film is a reminder of the importance of speaking out against abuse and protecting children.
Question 5:What are some of the themes explored in "An American Crime: Jenny Likens"?
Answer: "An American Crime: Jenny Likens" explores themes such as child abuse, neglect, violence, and the dark side of human nature.
Question 6:What is the legacy of "An American Crime: Jenny Likens"?
Answer: "An American Crime: Jenny Likens" is a film that continues to shock and horrify people today. The film is a reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting our children from harm.
This concludes our FAQ section on "An American Crime: Jenny Likens". We hope this information has been helpful.
Please note that this FAQ section is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have any questions about child abuse or neglect, please contact your local authorities or a qualified legal professional.
Conclusion
The murder of Jenny Likens was a horrific crime that shocked the nation. The film "An American Crime" tells the story of this tragedy in a powerful and disturbing way. The film explores the motives of the perpetrators, the impact of the crime on the victim's family and friends, and the social and cultural context of the 1960s.
The film is a reminder of the dark side of human nature. It is also a reminder of the importance of speaking out against abuse and protecting children. We must all work together to create a world where children are safe from harm.
