In Memoriam - New York City, 9/11/01
Originally shown on HBO on May 26, 2002,In Memoriamis one of the most vital documents to emerge after the events of September 11, 2001. Compiled from over 100 sources, this collage of audio, video, and photography will provoke tears, anger, and grief all over again... so why watch it? The title states the purpose: as disturbing as some of these images are, they are also bursting with tenacious and inspiring humanity, bolstered by the wisdom of New York City's then-mayor Rudolph Giuliani, who recalls--along with his executive staff--the horrendous events of 9/11 as he entered the chaos of Ground Zero. With its closing montage of numerous memorial services, this exemplary 60-minute film, supplemented on the DVD by an interactive timeline of pivotal events, makes it virtually impossible to forget the 3,047 lives lost to terrorist brutality. Despite the astonishing scope of coverage provided, this is not a journalistic endeavor, but a potent visual reminder that 9/11 was a day of unity, transcending the horrors witnessed here.--Jeff Shannon