UNITED 93 by Paul Greengrass
September 11, 2001. Four hijackers take control of flight UA 93, while three other planes are also hijacked and steered into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Flight United 93 will be the only of the total four hijacked planes to not reach it’s destination.
In quasi-documentary style, Paul Greengrass tells the story how it may have happened, with the focus on the events on flight UA93 and on the ground, in the Air Traffic Control’s crowded rooms. Without falling back on any cheap tricks to stir emotion, without big stars, American Heroism (TM) or star-spangled flag waving, UNITED 93 the film captures the essence of 9/11: the confusion, the disbelief, fear and shock.
Unknown actors and real air traffic controlers lend the movie an air of authenticity, Todd Beamer is not played by Bruce Willis or Sylvester Stallone, and he does not shout “Let’s roll”. What we see are real everyday-people who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
UNITED 93 is more than just another movie about a historic event, it’s a monument for 9/11, the day that changed the world.
Just be aware this is not a documentation, and especially the last minutes of the film don’t correspond with the 9/11 Commission’s account of events. There is no evidence of the passengers actually overwhelming the hijackers before the crash.
Note to Paul Greengrass: Don’t overdo it with the wobbly camera work! Handcams were used for realism and easy use in cramped spaces, but just like in THE BOURNE SUPREMACY, it’s a bit too much of the wobbling.
