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United 93
Directed by: Paul Greengrass
Starring: Tom O'Rourke
Genre:
Drama
Run Time: 111 min.
Release Date: April
2006
On The Web:
Official
Site
Teaser:
Movie Trailer
Reviewed by
Byron Merritt |
This could be the toughest review I've
ever written. Being a born-and-bred American, I have a few protective
sensibilities regarding my home country. When 9/11 happened, I was just
as stunned, fearful, and outraged as most of my fellow countrymen, I'm
sure. And watching a film related to those events only a few short years
after that dreadful day, I could feel those same emotions smoldering
within me. Trying to objectively rate this film based solely on its
merits becomes a bit sticky, simply because that emotional scar is still
so fresh. But I'll do my best.
The greatest thing about UNITED 93 is that it's filmed using hand-held
cameras, giving the viewer an intimate sense that they are an active
party within the movie. This is most effective when we're on the plane
(for reasons stated earlier) and get to witness all of the passengers'
interactions with each other and the hijackers. The other excellent part
is that there isn't one star that we follow, nor are there any big name
actors/actresses in the film. Every person is just as important as the
next. I applaud director Greengrass' script interpretation and this
seldom used method of filming.
Another admirable item is that the film shows us how off-guard the FAA
and the military was immediately following the hijackings. As the movie
moves between the FAA headquarters and the military's interactions with
these public offices, we get to witness the incredible chaos that ensued
and feel the frustrations as they try to figure out which planes are
risks, what to do about them, who has the authority to shoot them down
(if need be), and the unavailability of President Bush.
The big issues with the movie will obviously be very personal. Each
individual will probably feel differently about it. Mine were of
manipulation. Since this is still a fresh memory in the minds of most
Americans (including my own), I felt as though the film makers were
trying to feed off of those memories. This isn't as horrible as it
sounds, though. Some of the best films play with our feelings. The risk
here, however, is what we do with them. Do we continue to fear? Or hate?
Or do we learn from these experiences and move ahead? This film won't
give you the answers to those questions, which is both a strength and
one hell of a flaw. But it is a well put together piece of cinema.
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Image from United 93
DVD cost: $6.99
Purchase:
Tower.com
Film Review Stew
Favorite? No.
Stew Poo-Poo? No.
Newsworthy:
Families of the 40
passengers and crew members killed on United Flight 93 cooperated in the
production, offering Greengrass detailed background about their loved
ones, down to the clothes they wore, what reading materials or music
they had with them and what sort of candy they might have snacked on
aboard the plane.
Movie Quote: "Are
you guys ready? Let's roll! Come on, let's go!"
Other Actors/Actresses
from United 93
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