Filmmaker Michelle Danner tackles the complex crime of a young girl who buried her truth after justice was not served
By: Amanda Weissman
Hollywood, CA (The Hollywood Times) 7/28/23 – For sixty years, one woman chose to live with a secret. She chose to dissociate herself from the horrific crime inflicted on her when she was only 17 years old. She chose to keep quiet as a result of the trial that let her assaulter go free. She chose to become just Patricia “Trish” Weir, the average wife and mother.
But she never chose to be assaulted in 1963. And she never chose the shortfall of words the police used when they arrested her assaulter, Ernesto Miranda.
His story was a commodity to the public. A true breakthrough for American rights. But Trish Weir’s story was buried away. A true reoccurrence for assault victims.
So, when Michelle Danner, acting coach and filmmaker, became aware of her untold story, she knew exactly what she had to do.
Danner recalls questioning how this story had never been told. “She had to continue reliving this nightmare. And partly she wanted to put it behind her, so she never told her story,” Acting Coach and Filmmaker, Michelle Danner says.
It wasn’t until George Kolber, film producer and writer, took a closer look into Weir and met with her in person, sharing their idea for the movie Miranda’s Victim. And for the very first time her story was told to an audience of 2,000 people at the opening night of the Santa Barbara Film Festival.
“I wanted the movie to not be such a bummer about this horrible, devastating crime that happened, but rather an inspiring one for all,” says Danner. “After the film ended, I had people come up to me with tears in their eyes saying they saw elements of themselves in the film or they finally have the courage to do something about it.”
Danner was honored that the initial viewers found inspiration from Miranda’s Victim as she is aware there are risks attached to victims speaking up. “The recurring theme is that you come forth with a story like this and you’re not believed,” says Danner. “It becomes he said, she said.”
Danner was careful not to resurface any trauma from viewers who could have potentially gone through a similar event by producing the movie in a sensitive way. “It’s more of a story about seeking justice and getting that justice,” says Danner.
The movie follows the story of Trish Weir, played by Abigail Breslin, and the aftermath of the crime in both her life and the judicial system. It is set in the 60’s and replicates the vintage scenery, allowing viewers to put themselves in this timeframe. “Movies have the power of moving people in a deeper way to create impactful change,” says Danner.
Miranda’s Victim was so successful because of the tremendous efforts put forth from the production and the cast. Danner is so grateful for everyone’s involvement and ongoing belief for the movie and the story. She appreciates the unconditional support and strength from Trish Weir herself who even has a cameo scene in the movie.
The movie’s premiere date for theatres is uncertain due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strikes in Hollywood. But as soon as Miranda’s Victim hits theatres, prepare yourself for an inspiring film about justice and courage.
