Image Courtesy of Amazon.com
Director
Paul Greengrass
Cast
Christian Clemenson……….Thomas E. Burnett, Jr.
Trish Gates……….Sandra Bradshaw
David Alan Basche……….Todd Beamer
Cheyenne Jackson……….Mark Bingham
Opal Alladin……….CeeCee Lyles
Starla Benford……….Wanda Anita Green
J.J. Johnson……….Captain Jason Dahl
Nancy McDoniel……….Lorraine G. Bay
Polly Adams……….Deborah Welsh
Richard Bekins……….William Joseph Cashman
Susan Blommaert……….Jane Folger
Ray Charleson……….Joseph DeLuca
Gary Commock……….First Officer LeRoy Homer
Liza Colón-Zayas……….Waleska Martinez
Lorna Dallas……….Linda Gronlund
The Movie
United 93 is a film that many people avoided in its theatrical run, as the pain of the events of September 11, 2001, are still fresh in many minds. A previous generation knew exactly where they were when John F. Kennedy was shot dead; the events of 9/11 inspire the same exact feelings from a new generation. Remembering those fateful hours when an entire nation was glued to the television is something not too many people wish to do, as the fear of an entire nation consumed it for a little while. But for those on Flight 93, the fear inspired by those events lasted minutes. Remembered for their fight back against the evil men which had tried to take place on that flight, the men and women onboard brought tears to many eyes with two simple words: “Let’s roll.”
The film follows the events of that flight and fateful day as they develop in real time; as the passengers on Flight 93 find out about the events of that day – as well as witness the flight’s takeover by truly evil men – they experience it as it happens leading up to the tear-jerking finale.
United 93 is essentially a gamble by director Paul Greengrass in many ways, from the story-telling style and script to the actors themselves. Greengrass forgoes a “traditional” script and a veteran cast, and brings about a much more subdued style of direction.
Greengrass has a cast of unknowns instead of “name” actors, which would seem almost appropriate for Hollywood. While this isn’t an acting film, as there aren’t any actors who truly stand out, it’s much more gritty and realistic than it would be if George Clooney and the Ocean’s Twelve crew all had major parts. The acting may be low key, but it’s how Greengrass uses them that makes the difference.
Armed with a script that strays away from generic storytelling techniques; there is no rousing battle cry for the ages nor is there the sort of signature lines used. This is about heroism in the face of impending death and the film wisely opts to avoid the clichés that normally would pop up in this sort of film if it were fiction.
Greengrass also uses the confines of the plane to great effect; there aren’t any wide shots or excessive camera angles. The audience is in there, up close and personal, whispering while the hijacking is ongoing. It’s a unique perspective that adds to the emotional aspect of the film.
It’s what truly makes the film special.
With all the usual additions to a stripped-down film, the events depicted bring back the emotions felt that day. When the film fades to black, it’s near impossible to not be emotional. It’s tasteful and respectful to the families and events of the day, while bringing out the ray of light in a day filled with darkness.
The Video
Presented in an anamorphic widescreen format with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, the film looks great too.
The Audio
Presented in a Dolby Digital 5.1 format, the audio track for the film is excellent. The film’s subtle, haunting score and the various noises come through clearly and well-separated.
The Extras
There aren’t too many features on the one disc DVD version of this film, but there is a Commentary with Director Paul Greengrass for starters. There is also a featurette included, United 93 The Families and the Film. Its focus is on the families of the victims of the flight, as the families discuss their feelings about the film as well as the events of that day. It’s heartbreaking to hear them speak about their now deceased relatives; the sort of strength they had to deal with the making of the film as well as the events of that day is something hard to describe. There are Memorial Pages to the victims of Flight 93, with short biographies about each, as well as another feature entitled Twin Towers
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