A significant work of cinematic art about a crucial moment in U.S. history

Rating: 10/10 (27 April 2008)

Java Man Reviews "United 93" (rated R). Written and directed by Paul Greengrass. Starring J.J. Johnson, Ben Sliney, Gregg Henry, David Alan Basche, Christian Clemenson, Becky London, Trish Gates, Cheyenne Jackson & Chip Zien. Running Time: 91 minutes. Originally appeared in LakewoodBuzz.com.
OVERVIEW:
This film follows the brief and fateful journey of United flight number 93 as it takes off from Newark, flies toward San Francisco, suddenly reverses direction while over Cleveland, aims itself at Washington, D.C. and finally crashes in a Pennsylvania field. Exactly what happened during these 91 minutes can never be fully known, but much has been reconstructed from flight recorders, cell phone conversations and interviews of key officials and family members. British writer-director Greengrass incorporates these facts carefully but relies on his own artistic integrity to fill in the missing pieces and provide us with a version of the "emotional truth." What we do know is that the passengers of United 93 transformed themselves from a group of strangers to a determined force that prevented the terrorists from hitting their intended target. According to Greengrass, "they were the first people to inhabit the post-9/11 world." The film also reenacts simultaneous activities taking place inside the National Air Traffic Control Center, airport towers, regional air control centers, and a military command room. Many of those who were on duty that day portray themselves, including FAA honcho Ben Sliney who ordered the shutdown of all U.S. air traffic.
REVIEW: 4 out of 4 Java Mugs
Let's get one thing out of the way...this is not a "Hollywood" movie. There is no exploitation or emotional manipulation of any kind. Every detail of the story is told in the present tense; the narrative only knows what we would know if we were on the plane that day or in one of the flight control centers trying to piece together what was happening. There is no political posturing, no mention of Osama bin Laden, no patriotic speeches and no larger-than-life heroes--just an exhilarating account of ordinary men and women who are suddenly propelled into history and legend.
Though an effective "you are there" account of what may have actually happened, the film is not a docudrama but an accomplished work of cinematic art. This is certainly the furthest thing from his mind, but Greengrass should be a front runner for a best director nod when the awards season rolls around. The casting is flawless; we have never seen these actors before, so we easily accept them as fellow travelers aboard the fated flight. Also, the flight center and military personnel who portray themselves are vital to the film's authentic feel. Fluid, hand-held camera-work and fast-paced, precise editing also contribute to a feeling of immediacy.
This may be difficult for some to watch, but it does portray a crucial moment in U.S. history, a moment we can share as we experience this film --and relive a day we will never forget. What better way to pay tribute to the heroes of United Flight 93 than to create a significant work of cinematic art in their honor?