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Jack Ketchum's The Girl Next Door

post #1 of 9
12/4/07 at 4:36pm
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Disturbing! Even more so because it is based upon a real event which happened in the 60's in Indiana. Jack Ketchum's The Girl Next Door (based on the acclaimed novel by Jack Ketchum) is very hard to watch at times, but like a train wreck it's hard to turn away. When you think you've seen it all a film like this reminds you just how f***ed up some people are in our society.

Even though it is not that graphic, due to the fact that it is based upon actually events, it is pretty horrific. Definitely not for everyone and certainly not for the squeamish. Definitely worth a rent.

While this post is in reference to "The Girl Next Door" which is based upon a work of fiction about true events. Another movie based upon the same case but which uses the actually trial transcripts and is more true to actually events is "American Crime" which may be released this month. "American Crime", also known as "The Basement", premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January to controversy amongst the critics.

Video interview with Tommy O'Haver on "American Crime", trailer for the movie. Really can't wait to see this one.
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post #2 of 9
1/25/08 at 7:49am
If you're not bothered by this movie, you're not human. Very well done all around, making it an absolute must-see, though it might be too rough for some viewers, as Airboss said. Matter of fact, he pretty much said it all, and very articulately, so I'll shut up now.
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post #3 of 9
1/28/08 at 11:58am
This movie is worth watching. What makes it all the more chilling is it's based on a true story. The young actress playing the victim as well the the older one did fantasic jobs.
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post #4 of 9
2/11/08 at 4:22am
I watched this yesterday and had to skip a few parts, I couldn't take it - and nothing bothers me, I guess till now. However after watching the ending I felt a little better and went back and watched the parts I missed.

larry
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post #5 of 9
2/11/08 at 1:53pm
I was gonna start a thread a week ago or so when I watched this , I pretty much agree with Airboss on this and others that this is a hard to watch in places, and I can imagine parents with girls with the age similar to the title character would be even more bothered by this. The filmakers did mention this briefly this in the extras, but I can't help thinking that they also took a swipe at the "glorious" 50's as well not only that people just didn't wanna deal with issues like that[like the boy's mother], but the mentality that "it could never happen in our neighborhood" both of which are responsible to a widely held belief that all these type of nasty stuff happens only now or just recently. Clearly it's not true.
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post #6 of 9
2/13/08 at 7:29am
I made the mistake of inviting my fiance's cousin over to watch this movie with us. I knew it was described as disturbing and I read the synopsis, but I was unaware of the fact that there were also CHILDREN involved in the torturing. I felt the need to apologize several times throughout the movie because of this. We finished the whole thing and she claimed that it was a good movie despite the horrific things that occurred, but I really have to wonder...........She is no doubt emailing her friends as I write this and badmouthing us for our taste in movies.
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post #7 of 9
2/14/08 at 10:45am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Airboss View Post

While this post is in reference to "The Girl Next Door" which is based upon a work of fiction about true events. Another movie based upon the same case but which uses the actually trial transcripts and is more true to actually events is "An American Crime" which may be released this month. "An American Crime", also known as "The Basement", premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January to controversy amongst the critics.

Latest news on "An American Crime" from the official website:

"So the word is out, and it is true An American Crime will be premiering on Showtime later this year. Probably March or May. Many seem disappointed that there will be no theatrical release this was certainly not the original plan, after all.

We had a very complicated situation with our distributor First Look. There were offers from other companies, but First Look wouldn't sell the movie to a theatrical venue they felt it was in their financial interest to retain DVD rights at all costs. At the same time, they did not want to spend any money on a theatrical release even with Ellen Page's recent Academy Award nomination! Quite simply, they felt the film's subject matter was too dark to appeal to anyone. (We all know better.)

Anyway, thank God Showtime stepped in! They were willing to premiere the movie without taking the DVD rights.

Ultimately, I think it will be the best thing for An American Crime. First of all, Showtime is quickly becoming the edgiest channel on television these days their programming, in my opinion, surpasses that of HBO's. They certainly take more chances. And they are very passionate about the film. So it feels like the right fit.

More importantly, Sylvia's story will reach a far wider audience on Showtime certainly more than if we had a typical indie theatrical release. With Showtime's support, the movie's premiere will become a real event.

So that's the story in a nutshell. It's actually pretty exciting. And it won't be long before everyone has a chance to see the movie!"

Looking forward to viewing this, wish there was a more specific date than "probably March or May"!
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post #8 of 9
2/14/08 at 12:17pm
Let's put American crime in it's own thread when the movie comes out - or now, so people know to look for it in one of those months that starts with "M". And everything the guy said is correct wrt putting the movie on Showtime - bigger audience and the best channel for not being afraid to put up good content.

larry
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post #9 of 9
2/14/08 at 6:54pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PooperScooper View Post

Let's put American crime in it's own thread when the movie comes out - or now, so people know to look for it in one of those months that starts with "M". And everything the guy said is correct wrt putting the movie on Showtime - bigger audience and the best channel for not being afraid to put up good content.

larry

Done, you can check it out here.
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