Powerful, realistic film on America's tragedy
By Lacey Schauwecker
Is it too soon? Is it too speculative? Is it too tragic? No. If anything, it is too real.
"United 93" was not released too soon following the Sept. 11, 2001, tragedy. In fact, it did not come out soon enough.
In an age of surreal romances and bizarre comedies, "United 93" projects what most people go to the movies to escape: reality.
This daring film is a cinematic yet life-like reenactment of the historic United Airlines Flight 93, known for its passengers' heroic struggle against Sept. 11 terrorists.
The flight, which departed from Newark Liberty International Airport for the San Francisco International Airport at 8:42 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2001, was taken over by four knife-wielding hijackers who stabbed the pilots and intended to fly the 757 Boeing jet into the United States Capitol Building.
Though passengers were not totally aware of the terrorists' intentions, they had received news via phone that three other hijacked planes had already hit the Twin Towers and the Pentagon that tragic morning.
As the 33 civilian passengers and seven crew members on board slowly realized their fate, they prayed and cried, telephoned their families and concocted a plan to prevent another 9/11 mass disaster.
They knew daring action needed to be taken, and eventually real-life passenger Todd Beamer made the remark that has since represented the plane's resolution: "Are you guys ready? Let's roll."
Moments later, they charged the cockpit, and the plane crashed into a field just outside Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Because the violent events of 9/11 are still fresh in the minds of Americans, some audiences have suggested that the release of "United 93" is simply too soon.
However, judging by our country's growing apathy and frustration, writer and director Paul Greengrass' decision to release the film near 9/11's five-year anniversary proves to be quite appropriate and effective.
The inclusion of facts such as Flight 11 being the first plane to disappear on the radar screen, authorities originally mistaking the first World Trade Center explosion for a small plane rather than a commercial aircraft, and the air monitors first chuckling at the mention of a possible hijack help to convey the magnitude of the chaos.
Because no one knows for certain what occurred in Flight 93's cabin, some consider "United 93" to be too loosely constructed.
However, these critics are disregarding the fact that director Greengrass took great measures to make the film as accurate and authentic as possible.
The 111-minute film is told in real time and acted out by a cast of look-alikes who were given detailed studies of their real-life counterparts.
If there is one excuse not to see "United 93," it's the harsh content.
As I watched a stabbed man lie bleeding in the aisle, many young adults calling their families to say goodbye, and the plane inching closer to Washington, I felt physically sick.
However, as the plane went down and the screen turned black, I realized that, though I was not in the actual film, I was in its wake.
Immediately after the film ended, a man in the audience said, "never forget, never," and the theater began to clap. Audience commentary also included negative sentiments, including anti-Islamic statements.
It dawned on me that I live in a world representative of the cabin of "United 93": Its hate, love, perseverance and uncertainty play before each American's eyes every day.
To avoid seeing "United 93" is to avoid being reminded of the current state of our country and our world.
Additionally, it is to miss the chance to honor the heroes of Flight 93 and to realize that each one of us also has the capacity to live compassionately, honorably and hopefully.
Contact Lacey Schauwecker at (408) 551-1918 or lschauwecker@scu.edu