Sylvia Likens was a 16-year-old girl who suffered a horrific death at the hands of her caretakers in 1965. Her tragic story has been the subject of multiple documentaries, including the 2007 film “An American Crime”.
The film, directed by Tommy O’Haver, tells the story of Sylvia’s abuse and torture at the hands of Gertrude Baniszewski, a single mother who was supposed to be caring for her. Catherine Keener delivers a powerful performance as Baniszewski, portraying her as a cruel and sadistic woman who takes pleasure in inflicting pain on Sylvia.
Elliot Page plays Sylvia, and his performance is equally powerful. He captures the fear and helplessness of a young girl who is beng tortured and abused by the very people who are supposed to be taking care of her.
The film is brutal and unflinching in its portrayal of Sylvia’s suffering. Viewers are forced to confront the reality of what happened to her, and the documentary does not shy away from the graphic details of her abuse.
One of the most disturbing scenes in the film involves Richard Hobbs, a neighborhood kid who joins in on Sylvia’s torture. He helps carve the words “I am a prostitute and proud of it” into her stomach with a large needle, a macabre task that was begun by Baniszewski but was too much for her to finish.
The film is a stark reminder of the horrors that human beings are capable of inflicting on one another. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked cruelty and the importance of speaking up when we see others being mistreated.
“An American Crime” is a powerful and disturbing documentary that sheds light on one of the most heinous crimes in American history. It is a must-see for anyone interested in true crime or the human capacity for evil.
Is There A Movie Based On Sylvia Likens?
There is a movie based on Sylvia Likens called “An American Crime”. This film is a 2007 American crime horror drama directed by Tommy O’Haver and stars Elliot Page and Catherine Keener. The movie is based on the true story of the torture and murder of Sylvia Likens by Gertrude Baniszewski, a single mother from Indianapolis. The movie premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival.
What Really Happened To Sylvia Likens?
Sylvia Likens, a 16-year-old Indiana girl, was the victim of a horrific torture and murder in 1965. She was taken in by Gertrude Baniszewski, a local woman, who subjected her to prolonged physical and emotional abuse, along with her children and other neighborhood children. The abuse included burning, branding, beating, starvation, and other forms of torture.
In her final moments, Likens had bitten through her lips, partially severing sections of them from her face. Her official caue of death, as determined by the coroner, was a subdural hematoma resulting from a severe blow to her right temple.
The case drew widespread attention and led to the conviction of Baniszewski and several of her children and associates. The tragedy of Sylvia Likens continues to be a haunting reminder of the potential for cruelty and violence that exists within some individuals and communities.
How Many Movies Did Sylvia Likens Make?
Two movies were made based on the life story of Sylvia Likens in 2007. The storyline revolves around the tragic incident of the 16-year-old daughter of carnival workers who was left in the care of a school friend’s mother in 1965. Gertrude Baniszewski, the mother, promised to provide room and board for Sylvia in exchange for $20 per week. The movies depict the harrowing events that led to the torture and eventual death of Sylvia Likens.
What Did Richard Hobbs Do To Sylvia?
Richard Hobbs was one of the neighborhood kids who participated in the torture of Sylvia. He is infamous for his role in helping to carve the words “I am a prostitute and proud of it” into Sylvia’s stomach using a large needle. Gertrude initially began the task, but when she became too tired to continue, Hobbs took over and completed the gruesome act. This is one of the many disturbing and violent acts that Sylvia endured at the hands of Gertrude and the other individuals involved in her abuse.
Conclusion
The documentary “An American Crime” offers a harrowing and disturbing insight into the true story of the torture and murder of Sylvia Likens. The film highlights the sheer cruelty and brutality that she endured at the hands of her caretaker and neighborhood children. The details of her death, including biting throgh her lips and the carving of words on her stomach, are truly horrifying and heartbreaking to hear. The documentary is a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing and preventing child abuse and neglect. It also serves as a tribute to Sylvia Likens, whose tragic story deserves to be remembered and learned from. “An American Crime” is a well-made and impactful documentary that sheds light on an important and dark chapter in American history.
