Posted on 04/27/2006 5:32:06 AM PDT by Cincinatus' Wife
This is the finest film in 13 years as a film critic that I can't wholeheartedly recommend simply because it's too real for sensitive viewers to endure. Those taking that risk will be rewarded with the most powerful film so far in 2006; those who can't will be understood.
Is it too soon for a movie about Sept. 11, 2001?
Is it an offensive idea to dramatize the flight of United 93, one of four airlines hijacked that day by al-Qaida terrorists, and the only one that didn't reach its target after the passengers fought back?
Whether filmmaker Paul Greengrass explores or exploits the terrorist attacks with United 93 has been a subject of debate even before its release. That's understandable.
The film industry has produced so much junk tenuously based on historical events that the public simply doesn't trust Hollywood to make it right or even respectful.
Greengrass makes a convincing case that United 93 is an exception to such irresponsible storytelling, perhaps the only one outside a pure documentary format. He uses exceedingly well-researched conjecture to dramatize what happened on Sept. 11, 2001, carefully restraining from making anyone seem unduly heroic or negligent or even, in the case of the terrorists, cartoonishly evil.
How the writer-director managed it, and the question of its timing, goes beyond the realm of film criticism. A detailed commentary will be published in Friday's Floridian section.
From a purely cinematic angle, United 93 is an impressive piece of work.
Greengrass presents the events nearly in real time, with no room for character development or subplots. Hindsight gives the first act - when passengers are boarding the plane - a wrenching sense of dread; a mundane normalcy reminds us of life before the attacks.
The second act is mostly centered on air traffic controllers slowly realizing the magnitude of what's happening.
The third act, almost entirely aboard Flight 93 as the terrorists and passengers spring into action, is lean, suspenseful filmmaking of the highest order.
Barry Ackroyd's cinematography is superb, relying mostly upon hand-held cameras for a you-are-there approach heightened with expert editing. John Powell's musical score is a key factor in the escalating tension, a melodic pulse racing through the film.
The actors are mostly unrecognizable, a wise decision for Greengrass' facade of authenticity. Some are playing themselves, reliving their fears, underestimations and mistakes of handling that day. The filmmaker doesn't make a wrong move dramatically or, it could be argued, historically, since the families of Flight 93 victims and public records mostly support his version of events.
If this were fiction, Greengrass might be universally hailed as a genius. Since it isn't, he may be scrutinized for mistakes and poor judgment in some quarters and branded as a ghoul in others.
This is the finest film in 13 years as a film critic that I can't wholeheartedly recommend simply because it's too real for sensitive viewers to endure. Those taking that risk will be rewarded with the most powerful film so far in 2006; those who can't will be understood.
Steve Persall can be reached at 727 893-8365 or persall@sptimes.com.
United 93
Grade: A
Director: Paul Greengrass
Cast: Ben Sliney, Patrick St. Esprit, Trish Gates, David Rasche, David Alan Basche, Lewis Alsamari, Omar Berdouni
Screenplay: Paul Greengrass
Rating: R; intense violence, strong profanity, emotionally mature themes
Running time: 111 min.
Was that even asked after Farenheit 911? Technically, I guess that is a rhetorical question.
This movie should be shown in public schools.
What's the name of the movie? "9/11's heroes"?
Reminded me of the time in Chicago I just missed AA Flight 191. I watched from the terminal as it lost an engine, rolled over and crashed.
United 93
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0475276/trailers
Ben Sliney made the call to order all planes out of the air on 9-11. He started off as an advisor and a bit player in the movie. He portrays himself in the movie.
Not to be a woosie but this would be tough for me to watch.
Thank you for the LINK.
One review says, "it feels like you were there."
I think we all need to feel that.
Thanks so much for the LINK.
Sometimes we need to watch things that tears at our gut.
I could very well be just that.
I'm going to see it alone; I can't predict my reaction, don't want to alarm friends/family.
I hope this prediction turns out to be true. I haven't gone to a theater in a long time, but will go to see this movie this weekend if it's playing nearby.
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