Number 21…

Only a few days ago did I finally get around to seeing Oliver Stone’s World Trade Center from 2006, dealing with the true story of two men recovered from the wreckage (played by Nicholas Cage and Michael Peńa).

Stone is definitely one to take risks, but even he was in murky waters when tackling a film that centered on the one day that signified all other days of the 21st century (and five years later, no less).

Other films since then have had that day as part of the plot (Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is the first that comes to mind), yet the biggest problem with Stone’s film (which is not bad per say) was that it was released months after the far superior film by Paul Greengrass, United 93.

Told in real time, the film tells the story of those on that ill-fated flight as well as those on ground control and air force. Like many (if not all) that day, they are simply unsure of what is happening and how to respond. Yet they need to respond, and they do so. The key ingredient for me is that the film uses actors instead of movie stars, with virtually unknown faces I have rarely seen since (the only name I know for sure is actress Olivia Thirlby, who would go on to star in roles such as the best friend in Juno a year later).

This is a movie I don’t see anyone trying to remake at any time. No other docudrama this century has been more gut punching (though, to be fair, no other single day has had a bigger impact this century). It may have only gotten one Oscar nomination (Greengrass was nominated for director, but was up against the long over due win for Scorsese, so it was really an honor for him just to be nominated), but the film lives on in history with other important films like Schindler’s List: you may only be able to see it once, but it still needs to be seen.

Recently, a kid I know (one of the nicest there is) showed off their attempt at dark humor. Sadly, it was about 9/11. Of course, they did not mean to be cruel toward it, they just were not around like I was on the day I was told about the attack by my 8th grade english teacher, Ms Pearson. 

If kids do still think they can get away with jokes about that day, they should see this film, and they will never joke about it again.

It is weird to say, but toward the end, I always know what the tragic outcome will be. Still, there is a part of me that is thinking they will make it. Of course, the passengers don’t make it, but they definitely did succeed.

(As of this writing, United 93 is available to rent on Amazon).