Opening 1 Jun 2006
Directed by:
Paul Greengrass
Writing credits:
Paul Greengrass
Principal actors:
Christian Clemenson, Gary Commock, Polly Adams, Opal Alladin, Starla Benford
What happened to the passengers and crew aboard United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001 before the Boeing 757 slammed into earth outside Shanksville, Pennsylvania? Based on extensive research, British filmmaker Paul Greengrass presents a compassionate, riveting dramatization of the events. Following the last ninety minutes of those who boarded Flight 93, actors and ordinary people doing their regular jobs, such as civilian and military air traffic controllers, recreate the horror. Ben Sliney, who was in charge of the FAA's command center in Herndon, Viriginia consulted on the film and then was chosen to play himself. The passengers remain anonymous although some of their actions will be familiar, enhancing reality. The result is a film that does not seek to evoke strong emotions, but through presentation of facts combined with suppositions provides insights into what was happening at airport control towers, military headquarters, on the news and within the plane. Tragedy tastefully told. (Mary Nyiri)
