Anyone buy this film on DVD? It was recently released by Anchor Bay/Starz and based on the book by Jack Ketchum. I read about it in an article from the latest issue of Rue Morgue Magazine (Dec 2007) and was intrigued by it, so I decided to check it out. It is loosely based on a real story that took place in 1965 about a 16-year old girl, Sylvia Likens who was tortured by her aunt, Gertrude Baniszewski, in her basement and, strangely, the neighborhood kids. I enjoyed the movie and did not find it to be exploitive in any way, but kept the story in tact and told it well. All the actors (most who seem unknown), were all convincing and competent in their roles. Its not a high budget film, but well done considering. The directing (by first timer Gregory Wilson) is seamless and focused on the integrity of the story without interrupting for style or signature. I ended up buying the book, which I read on Amazon is a tough read, but I have not finished reading it yet. There is a Hollywood production of the actual trial based on the real incidents titled An American Crime, which stars Catherine Keener (40-Year Old Virgin) and Ellen Page (Hard Candy), which I am also interested in seeing. It is considered one of the most horrible crimes committed in America, but that is all subjective. The reviews for The Girl Next Door are highly favorable both at Amazon and IMDB, (but arguable at rottentomatoes.com) as it was considered an unfilmable story due to the books graphic content. According to Rue Morgue's interview with the director, he states,

"I remember when we were getting our rating, we actually got an R-rating - barely - from the board. It was almost a split decision, one of the representatives told me, between NC-17 and R, and she told me the reason that she voted R was that she honestly believed that a film like this should be seen..." (p. 18)

Does that mean films that are NC-17 should not be seen? Well, regardless of that, there is also a write-up in Penny Blood's magazine, Issue #7 (Spring 2007) which also highlights the film and its respectable presentation. Simialrly stated, it stands less as a piece of horror, but rather drama, although it does seem to skirt the boundaries of both genres. Penny Blood's Review.

With all of this said, I found the whole story, both real and fictional fascinating on all accounts. I myself enjoyed the film and highly recommend this DVD. 

 For the book:

You can also purchase the DVD at these online retailers: