Lizzie Borden Took an Ax (2014)

What makes it different from others?

Fantastic!

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

Christina Ricci stars in this made-for-TV dramatization of the 1893 trial of Lizzie Andrew Borden for the murder of her father and step-mother in Fall River, Massachusetts. The highly-stylized production recounts events immediately surrounding the murders and subsequent trial. Lizzie Borden Took an Ax (2014) was later developed into a TV Mini-Series The Lizzie Borden Chronicles (2015). It blends a modern soundtrack with historic events to create an oddly entertaining take on the controversial case.At 11:10 a.m. on August 4, 1892, Lizzy Borden (Christina Ricci), 32, yelled for the family maid, Bridget Sullivan (Hannah Anderson), to quickly come downstairs. She discovered her father, Andrew (Stephen McHattie), slumped over the sofa. His head had been bashed in. Abby (Sara Botsford), Lizzy's stepmother, was found on the floor of an upstairs bedroom, her head and face smashed. Lizzy gave police strange and often conflicting information, and she quickly became the chief suspect.Her New Bedford trial, beginning in June 1893, was a national sensation, widely reported in the newspapers. It took the jury 90 minutes to acquit her, and with her inheritance, she purchased a new home and lived there with her sister Emma (Clea DuVall). Despite efforts to start a new life, Lizzy Borden was ostracized from Fall River society, since many people believed she was the murderer.There are several alternative theories about "who done it," but Lizzie Borden Took an Ax doesn't entertain any of them. It openly implies Lizzie was the murderer, even going so far as to imagine Lizzie confessing the crime to her sister, causing her to flee their home in disgust. In fact, the two sisters split in an argument over a party in 1905, 12 years after the trial. We'll never know what the sisters said to each other in private conversation, so this is creative license at work.The film weirdly sexualizes Lizzie Borden, and for that, Christina Ricci was perfect for the role, but Ricci looks nothing like a proper, White Anglo-Saxon Protestant spinster. The real Lizzie Borden was a member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, which advocated abstinence from alcohol. Rumors about Lizzie's sexuality revolved around an alleged relationship with the actress Nance O'Neil, but this gossip was probably of the kind leveled at any unmarried, middle-aged person at the time. Lizzie is portrayed as attempting to seduce everyone who gets in her way, even her own father, and is shown committing the murders in the nude.Lizzie Borden Took an Ax is well-paced. This 87-minute movie doesn't waste time dwelling on irrelevant information or side stories. It effectively shows the tension in the Borden household prior to the murders and moves on. The audience doesn't need to see flashbacks of Lizzie's childhood, labored exposition, or other staples of historic biopics. The filmmakers establish their backgrounds with a few lines and a few short scenes.Veteran character actor Gregg Henry was given the unenviable role of playing prosecutor Hosea Knowlton, who is portrayed in this film as the antagonist. Lizzie Borden gives him every reason to suspect she's the killer, yet Knowlton's insistence on prosecuting her comes off as a witch-hunt, as few believe her capable of a brutal double murder. He is a forceful presence on screen, but his edge is dulled by the knowledge he'll ultimately lose the case. Filmmakers tried to cast the verdict as a surprise, but it's hard to do that when your source material is a real trial.There are many ways to make a compelling film about the Borden murders–the drama practically writes itself. Lizzie Borden Took an Ax chose not to focus on alternative theories, public interest in the case (it was the first trial followed nationally in the American press), or social issues, but to glamorize Lizzie herself. Christina Ricci fans love this movie, and it's a capable and entertaining introduction to the case, just don't reference it in a history paper.

I thoroughly enjoyed this film. I thought Christina Ricci was outstanding - she portrayed Lizzie Borden in a way that made me wonder if she was guilty. The film was frightening because of Ricci's dark portrayal and, personally, I loved it. If you are interested in true crime books or films then this is a must watch!

I have to say, Christina Ricci was brilliant playing as a series killer. She might have the looks of one but she just was so expressive! She could really do any role to be honest! I felt this movie was quite rather scary even on a summers day to watch this! It really brings you into the world of horror and it gives you the feeling of what it's like.I found it quite chilling although wasn't surprised at the same - when the street kids sang 'Lizzie Borden took an Axe' like some sort of nursery rhyme. I wonder during the real Lizzie Borden's time, did their parents know that their children were singing it about a murderer? I wonder myself where it came from. Probably a kid made it up!I think this is a good TV movie, I honestly love Cristina Ricci!

Christina Ricci actually did a pretty good job.Excellent sets, great costuming, etc. The problem is the music. Absolutely ruins it. I really don't get why Hollywood continually adds rock music to period movies. They really need to stop this. It had great potential. I do have to say, if Christina Ricci's portrayal of this woman is correct, then Lizzie Borden was nuts and she did murder her parents. Then again, they have been trying to find the murderer for over 100 years. Likely they will never know.