Review of Lizzie Borden Took an Ax (2014) by M H — 11 Feb 2014

Christina Ricci portrays Lizzie Borden in this highly fictionalized account of the famed murders and trial that took place in Fall River, Massachusetts in 1893. Television docudramas end to have events altered, created, omitted or condensed to make the film more commercially viable. This movie was no exception. In fact, so much of the movie was changed that only the most basic of events were accurately portrayed. For instance, her uncle who arrived at their home the day before and was present the morning of the murders was not portrayed. Lizzie didn't burn her dress outdoors at night in a fire pit to destroy evidence, but rather the day in the kitchen's stove with her friend, Alice Russell present. Lizzie did not confess to her sister, thus causing an irreparable rift between the two. In fact, the sisters continued to live together long after Lizzie was acquitted; they only separated after having an argument years later. Finally, her defense attorney was not the family lawyer, but a former Governor who had appointed one of the judges in the case. That judge lack of impartiality most probably helped in getting an acquittal verdict.

Another weakness was the use of synthesizers and techno rock music in nearly every establishing shot. This was totally out of context to the screenplay and was quite annoying. A music style more contemporary to the time would have greatly enhanced the movie.

That said, if the viewer approaches this film as a work of fiction, rather than a rendering of facts of the case, this film is above average. The movie was intense at parts and good enough to keep me interested in it. The acting is good and the scenery and costumes are a realistic portrayal of the period. The dialogue is interesting and movies teh stroy along at a brisk pace. Christina Ricci plays the part well as did Clea Duvall, as her sister Emma, who realistically portrays a person of the late 19th century.