No matter how much I think I am ready, I am not sure I ever actually will be. I remember getting ready to see United 93 on the eve of its release and thinking I was fully prepared. That couldn't have been further from the truth. The film broke me down with ease.
Paul Greengrass did an incredible job creating the fly on the wall experience in United 93. Now, Oliver Stone brings us the inspirational story of two Port Authority police officers that were two of only 20 survivors to be found in the rubble of the fallen towers.
I found it impossible to view World Trade Center objectively. I could not detach myself from the wellspring of emotion that boiled over while sitting in that darkened theater. I remember September 11th as if it was yesterday.
I was at work in upstate New York. The day was just getting going when I received an email from home telling me that a private plane had struck the tower, which was not the case, as we now know. Then the second plane struck, and word of other hijackings was beginning to filter out. The only information I could access was a chat room on Yahoo, not exactly the best to find out the news. It was like the world was coming to an end.
It was as amazing as it was horrifying to watch the world change in an instant. The world has not been the same since that fateful day. It was only a matter of time before Hollywood would make a film about the events. Now, we have had two films covering two venues, neither of which purports to have any political agenda, acting more as memorial to those who lost their lives and celebrating those who survived and those who came together to help.
Some will say, and have said, it is too soon, but I do not think there is an easy answer. When you are ready to see something like this you will know. It may be today, tomorrow, years from now, or perhaps not at all. Even then, you may not be as prepared as you think you are. I thought I was, but I wasn't, but I will never regret spending time viewing these films.
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Article comments
1 - Gloria Moy, New York, NY
Maybe its a good movie...but having lived thru 9/11, I haven't much desire to see it. I wish that Hollywood would leave it alone and let us heal and move on with our lives.
2 - robert
i was in shocked once again. i hated living through it again, but it really makes me understand more and be able to watch it without the rage. Very powerful movie, and i will see it again