Apr. 30, 2006|Germany | United States|108 Min.|R
Genre: Crime;Drama;Romance;Thriller
Description: Lonely Hearts, a 2006 American neo-noir film directed and written by Todd Robinson, is based on the true story of the infamous “Lonely Hearts Killers,” Martha Beck and Raymond Fernandez, who committed a series of murders in the 1940s. This story was also depicted in the 1970 film *The Honeymoon Killers* and the 1996 film *Deep Crimson*.
The film marks the debut of actress Bailee Madison. It follows conman Raymond Fernandez, played by Jared Leto, who scams wealthy women through personal ads. He meets Martha Beck, portrayed by Salma Hayek, and she joins his schemes, posing as his sister. Together, they travel across the country, murdering numerous women who respond to their ads. The film focuses on the efforts of homicide detectives Robinson, played by John Travolta, and Hildebrandt, played by James Gandolfini, to track them down and bring them to justice.
Production began on March 21, 2005, with most of the filming taking place in and around historic locations in Jacksonville, Florida, including the historic Springfield district and the Davenport Hotel in Spokane, Washington. Other scenes were shot in Fernandina and Amelia Island. The film contributed significantly to the local economy, employing 218 local technicians and actors, along with 833 extras, and generating a $3.28 million economic impact.
Lonely Hearts premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 30, 2006, and was screened at the Jacksonville Film Festival on May 18, 2006. It received a staggered international release in late 2006 and early 2007, with a limited U.S. release on April 13, 2007, by Roadside Attractions. Shortly after its domestic release, the film became available for on-demand viewing on Clickstar.
Cast director: Todd Robinson
Cast actor: John Travolta, James Gandolfini, Salma Hayek, Jared Leto, Scott Caan, Laura Dern, Michael Gaston, Dan Byrd, Alice Krige, Dagmara Domińczyk
Original name: Lonely Hearts