For the film industry, Sept. 11 has become a lucrative money pot.
Only five short years later, several movies have been made about 9/11, including “Flight 93” and “World Trade Center.” Both films execute the typical American way of not facing the reality of what has shaken our country.
Is it appropriate to have made these films just five years later, when millions of families are still devastated and the fact that American soldiers are still in Iraq?
Although it may seem on the surface that these film directors are noble for making such movies, what is really going on is that we are being manipulated through emotion. How could someone not like a movie made about 9/11? After all, it’s noble.
“Flight 93,” directed by Peter Markle, focuses mainly on the mistakes made by the Federal Aviation Adminstration, as well as a reenactment of the hijacking on the plane.
The characters could not act themselves out of a paper bag. The acting was so terrible that the viewer misses the message of the film, which was to show the bravery of the passengers who attempted to stop the hijackers. It was obvious that the film was only made as a pathetic and manipulative way of taking our money.
“World Trade Center” is a reenactment of two New York City police officers (Cage and Pena) who make it out alive of the World Trade Center just after the towers collapsed.
What makes this film so typical is that the actors are all Hollywood A-listers.
Even the advertisement made me want to vomit. With the tacky sound of Coldplay in the background, “STARRING NICHOLAS CAGE AND MICHAEL PENA…” flashed across the screen.
The film was well made with fair acting. The film also was heart-wrenching and somewhat emotional. Perhaps it only felt emotional because it reminds us of the day 9/11 hit. Because the film is a direct visual of our memories, an emotional response is expected. It is an easy “in” to the hearts of millions.
The film only focuses on two people who survived. What about the victims who didn’t? What about the families who are still dealing with the death of a loved one? The problem relies not on the plot itself, but that the film industry has ignored those directly affected by 9/11.
According to “New York Magazine,” 2,819 people were killed as a result of 9/11.
As one of the biggest tragedies to ever hit the United States, it is insulting that the film industry has taken such advantage of manipulation.
Kudos to Michael Moore for having the guts to portray the reality of 9/11 in his documentary, “Fahrenheit 9/11.”
If Hollywood is going to make films about 9/11 this early, it should speak to the community by visually showing what people are going through post-loss.
Those directly affected by 9/11 through the death of a loved one have a much more important message to deliver than Maggie Gyllenhaal.
If the film industry really cares about sending a positive message about 9/11, do you really think they would star Nicholas Cage?
