list http://www.spout.com/ Recent community activity around United 93 on Spout Copyright 2005-9 Spout, LLC Spout RSS http://www.spout.com/images/SpoutLogoRSS.jpg http://www.spout.com/ 136 30 http://www.spout.com/films/United_93/268460/default.aspx Title: United 93
Year: 2006
Director: Paul Greengrass
Plot: Bloody Sunday director Paul Greengrass marks the five-year anniversary on the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States with this speculative meditation on the events that took place onboard the fourth hijacked plane, and the actions of the passengers who gave their lives to ensure the safety of others. Told in real time and acted out by a cast of unknowns who were provided with detailed studies of their real-life counterparts, United 93 attempts to reconstruct the airborne tragedy from the view of the ground and flight controllers, the passengers, and their nervous families awaiting word on the fate of their loved ones. As the terrified travelers and crew gradually become aware of the historical events taking place on the ground so far beneath them, the 90 minutes in which a random collection of strangers realized their fate and came together to confront an unthinkable threat are re-created. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
Times Tagged: 20
Number of Lists: 28
Number of blog posts: 14
SpoutRating: 3
]]>Mon, 20 Jul 2009 06:39:39 GMTUnited 932006Paul Greengrass<a href=/films/205659/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>Bloody Sunday</a> director <a href="/players/P____92504/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Paul Greengrass</a> marks the five-year anniversary on the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States with this speculative meditation on the events that took place onboard the fourth hijacked plane, and the actions of the passengers who gave their lives to ensure the safety of others. Told in real time and acted out by a cast of unknowns who were provided with detailed studies of their real-life counterparts, United 93 attempts to reconstruct the airborne tragedy from the view of the ground and flight controllers, the passengers, and their nervous families awaiting word on the fate of their loved ones. As the terrified travelers and crew gradually become aware of the historical events taking place on the ground so far beneath them, the 90 minutes in which a random collection of strangers realized their fate and came together to confront an unthinkable threat are re-created. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide20Tag Target (>10)28143http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t85268az1dk.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/United_93/268460/default.aspxFilm http://www.spout.com/blogs/the_mow/archive/2009/7/17/43116.aspx Post By: The_MOW
Post To: The_MOW Blog
Post Date: 7/17/2009 12:46:54 PM
Body: We all know what happened that Tuesday morning now forever known as 9/11, and this movie tries to depict the events of that morning from the viewpoint of those on the ground working on that day. When I first saw the commercials for this movie before its release, I suspected that this was going to be speculative on what happened on the plane with what is known from those on the plane who called families as the events were unfolding and the cockpit tapes. However, this movie mainly focuses on military and FAA responses as the hijackings and attacks happen. The other planes which were taken over by hijackers are just referenced in this movie and a barely touched. We do see the results of the two planes which struck the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City through actual news footage provided by the Cable News Network (better known as CNN). Some people may have to turn away when those news clips are shown when watching this movie, especially when they cut to a clip, filmed on video unlike the rest of the movie which is on film. A lot of the scenes which takes place on "United 93" were, for the most part, improvised by the actors on set. This pretty much helped out in trying to depict what was going on the flight that was not known. The actors who portrayed the victims on the plane, did a good job in their performances, but I can not say any of them stood out in my opinion. I also felt that those playing the terrorists were not depicted or portrayed well. Personally, I would have liked to have seen them interact with the rest of the cast they were working with a bit more. Yes, I understand that the focus was on the passengers, but, if you ask me, they stayed too much in the background. The performers who portrayed them were given way too few scenes where they were key figures in the scene if you ask me. I also doubt that they would have stood back as certain victims ran to the back galley to find some weapons to use against them. There is some unique cinematography in this film during the scenes on board the plane. Instead of the massive movie cameras, they opted for smaller, handheld cameras. This certainly helped in the scenes which needed a lot of tension. I also liked how certain people who were actually involved in the events depicted themselves in various scenes on the ground. I don't know how they did it, but they did an amazing job in their performances. I don't know how much of their scenes, if at all, were scripted, but they did a fabulous job. I am surprised at how well they did on camera. It was as if they had been acting for some time. One thing that will be extremely hard for people to watch are the final moments of the movie before it fades to black. I even said something like a long "Geeeezzzzeeee" or something like that when it was on my television screen. If you ask me, this movie is one of the slowest movies I have ever seen. The first quarter of the movie is extremely slow, and I almost turned the channel. It picked up a bit when they began to depict the start of the attack, but not by much. I remember a few incidents of hearing some music in this movie, but none of the songs stand out in my mind. Because of what was going on in the movie, I basically ignored the soundtrack. Nothing really stood out from the soundtrack to me. As a movie, I really can't recommend this one. But, for it's historical significance, I would suggest checking this one out only if nothing else is on television or you can't find what you are looking for the next time you are looking for something to rent.
]]>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:46:54 GMTThe_MOWThe_MOW Blog7/17/2009 12:46:54 PMWe all know what happened that Tuesday morning now forever known as 9/11, and this movie tries to depict the events of that morning from the viewpoint of those on the ground working on that day. When I first saw the commercials for this movie before its release, I suspected that this was going to be speculative on what happened on the plane with what is known from those on the plane who called families as the events were unfolding and the cockpit tapes. However, this movie mainly focuses on military and FAA responses as the hijackings and attacks happen. The other planes which were taken over by hijackers are just referenced in this movie and a barely touched. We do see the results of the two planes which struck the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City through actual news footage provided by the Cable News Network (better known as CNN). Some people may have to turn away when those news clips are shown when watching this movie, especially when they cut to a clip, filmed on video unlike the rest of the movie which is on film. A lot of the scenes which takes place on "United 93" were, for the most part, improvised by the actors on set. This pretty much helped out in trying to depict what was going on the flight that was not known. The actors who portrayed the victims on the plane, did a good job in their performances, but I can not say any of them stood out in my opinion. I also felt that those playing the terrorists were not depicted or portrayed well. Personally, I would have liked to have seen them interact with the rest of the cast they were working with a bit more. Yes, I understand that the focus was on the passengers, but, if you ask me, they stayed too much in the background. The performers who portrayed them were given way too few scenes where they were key figures in the scene if you ask me. I also doubt that they would have stood back as certain victims ran to the back galley to find some weapons to use against them. There is some unique cinematography in this film during the scenes on board the plane. Instead of the massive movie cameras, they opted for smaller, handheld cameras. This certainly helped in the scenes which needed a lot of tension. I also liked how certain people who were actually involved in the events depicted themselves in various scenes on the ground. I don't know how they did it, but they did an amazing job in their performances. I don't know how much of their scenes, if at all, were scripted, but they did a fabulous job. I am surprised at how well they did on camera. It was as if they had been acting for some time. One thing that will be extremely hard for people to watch are the final moments of the movie before it fades to black. I even said something like a long "Geeeezzzzeeee" or something like that when it was on my television screen. If you ask me, this movie is one of the slowest movies I have ever seen. The first quarter of the movie is extremely slow, and I almost turned the channel. It picked up a bit when they began to depict the start of the attack, but not by much. I remember a few incidents of hearing some music in this movie, but none of the songs stand out in my mind. Because of what was going on in the movie, I basically ignored the soundtrack. Nothing really stood out from the soundtrack to me. As a movie, I really can't recommend this one. But, for it's historical significance, I would suggest checking this one out only if nothing else is on television or you can't find what you are looking for the next time you are looking for something to rent. http://www.spout.com/blogs/cinemarian/archive/2008/5/13/28875.aspx Post By: CinemaRian
Post To: CinemaRian Blog
Post Date: 5/13/2008 4:48:56 AM
Body: I am not sure it is possible to make a definative 9/11 movie, or at least in our generation, as we lived through it. Maybe in fifty years someone younger than me who has only heard about the attack from history books might be able to put together something that might simulate the experince for those who can't remember being glued to the TV on the faithful day. But for me, any movie will inadiquete. That said, United 93 does a reasonably good job at showing what might have happend on board the only plane where the passengers fought back, the one that crashed in a field in Pennsylvania instead of slamming into the White House or Capitol Building as the terrorists intended. Those who have seen Greengrass's Bloody Sunday, about another tragic historical event will notice many simularities- the docudrama style, handheld camera work, and lack of name actors. Greengrass's style prevents the movie from becoming what everyone was afraid it would be- a piece of propaganda or some kind of Pearl Harbor type action film, but it also prevents us getting involved in any of the characters. This is the movie's biggest failing. I cared about the characters in an abstract sense, but there was no one person that I felt like I knew after the film was over. But most of the movie works. I particularly remember a moment early in the film when I realzied that every single person on the plane was going to die and under ninety minuets to live. There are also many effective between Air Traffic Control and the Army as they try figure out what is going on. Of course, since we no what is going on, this takes an added meaning. In United 93, there is no suspense, only dread. Greengrass also does not blame any one person for any of the numerous orginizational problems on 9/11 (although he does indicate that President Bush might put those precious minuets to better use by doing something other than reading My Pet Goat). Rather, he blames a system that had not anticipated and was not prepared for an eventualaity. Most individulals in the controls rooms are shown doing their duty competetantly, it's just that they have no idea what they are supposed to be doing. Although the film is not the complete knockout that some critics claimed to be, United 93 is a very strong movie. I suppose that that biggest complimenat that I could give it is that I felt something that I hadn't before in regards to 9/11- anger. Instead of sadness as the depth of the tragity, I was angry that terrorists could come into my country and kill thousands of innocent people to make a political statement. In this sense, United 93 is not only a good film, it's important. United 93 (2006)
]]>Tue, 13 May 2008 08:48:56 GMTCinemaRianCinemaRian Blog5/13/2008 4:48:56 AMI am not sure it is possible to make a definative 9/11 movie, or at least in our generation, as we lived through it. Maybe in fifty years someone younger than me who has only heard about the attack from history books might be able to put together something that might simulate the experince for those who can't remember being glued to the TV on the faithful day. But for me, any movie will inadiquete. That said, United 93 does a reasonably good job at showing what might have happend on board the only plane where the passengers fought back, the one that crashed in a field in Pennsylvania instead of slamming into the White House or Capitol Building as the terrorists intended. Those who have seen Greengrass's Bloody Sunday, about another tragic historical event will notice many simularities- the docudrama style, handheld camera work, and lack of name actors. Greengrass's style prevents the movie from becoming what everyone was afraid it would be- a piece of propaganda or some kind of Pearl Harbor type action film, but it also prevents us getting involved in any of the characters. This is the movie's biggest failing. I cared about the characters in an abstract sense, but there was no one person that I felt like I knew after the film was over. But most of the movie works. I particularly remember a moment early in the film when I realzied that every single person on the plane was going to die and under ninety minuets to live. There are also many effective between Air Traffic Control and the Army as they try figure out what is going on. Of course, since we no what is going on, this takes an added meaning. In United 93, there is no suspense, only dread. Greengrass also does not blame any one person for any of the numerous orginizational problems on 9/11 (although he does indicate that President Bush might put those precious minuets to better use by doing something other than reading My Pet Goat). Rather, he blames a system that had not anticipated and was not prepared for an eventualaity. Most individulals in the controls rooms are shown doing their duty competetantly, it's just that they have no idea what they are supposed to be doing. Although the film is not the complete knockout that some critics claimed to be, United 93 is a very strong movie. I suppose that that biggest complimenat that I could give it is that I felt something that I hadn't before in regards to 9/11- anger. Instead of sadness as the depth of the tragity, I was angry that terrorists could come into my country and kill thousands of innocent people to make a political statement. In this sense, United 93 is not only a good film, it's important. United 93 (2006) http://www.spout.com/blogs/chrismorrell/archive/2008/1/21/24161.aspx Post By: chrismorrell
Post To: chrismorrell Blog
Post Date: 1/21/2008 4:36:28 PM
Body: Paul GreengrassWhatever you think of the 'subject matter', this is a masterclass in film making...The reconstruction ,in real-time, of the fateful events of september the eleventh 2001, up to the 'imagined ' events on flight 93,surely cannot be faulted. Many of the real people are re-enacting those events...as Paul Greengrass posits on his DVD commentary...the systems that our World runs by, the systems of the American Air Traffic Control, and Air Defences, were broken , and floundered, could not cope ,on that day...and along with those planes a whole Religion was hi-jacked ..Our "World Order" was changed,motives for this are still being questioned,many,myself included, find most of the responses ill-judged,and just as criminal
]]>Mon, 21 Jan 2008 21:36:28 GMTchrismorrellchrismorrell Blog1/21/2008 4:36:28 PMPaul GreengrassWhatever you think of the &#39;subject matter&#39;, this is a masterclass in film making...The reconstruction ,in real-time, of the fateful events of september the eleventh 2001, up to the &#39;imagined &#39; events on flight 93,surely cannot be faulted. Many of the real people are re-enacting those events...as Paul Greengrass posits on his DVD commentary...the systems that our World runs by, the systems of the American Air Traffic Control, and Air Defences, were broken , and floundered, could not cope ,on that day...and along with those planes a whole Religion was hi-jacked ..Our &quot;World Order&quot; was changed,motives for this are still being questioned,many,myself included, find most of the responses ill-judged,and just as criminal http://www.spout.com/blogs/downwest/archive/2007/12/14/22812.aspx Post By: downwest
Post To: downwest Blog
Post Date: 12/14/2007 5:37:49 AM
Body: Paul Greengrass directs his meditative masterpiece about the events surrounding the terrorist attacks on the US on September 11, 2001. This stands alone as an artistic masterpiece, everything from cinematographic differentiation between the different locations to camera framing to directing to screenplay. Greegrass' in-the-moment camera work could not have been used more fully and beautifully as it tells the story in real time right from the terrorists waking up in the morning and getting ready to a most powerful and inspiring end. The scene in which the passengers aboard United 93 try to take back the plane made me feel proud to be an American, to be quite honest. Ultimately, in reflecting on this film I think we must remember those who died that fateful day, and to live by their example, that we can't afford to give in to those who want to destroy us.
]]>Fri, 14 Dec 2007 10:37:49 GMTdownwestdownwest Blog12/14/2007 5:37:49 AMPaul Greengrass directs his meditative masterpiece about the events surrounding the terrorist attacks on the US on September 11, 2001. This stands alone as an artistic masterpiece, everything from cinematographic differentiation between the different locations to camera framing to directing to screenplay. Greegrass&#39; in-the-moment camera work could not have been used more fully and beautifully as it tells the story in real time right from the terrorists waking up in the morning and getting ready to a most powerful and inspiring end. The scene in which the passengers aboard United 93 try to take back the plane made me feel proud to be an American, to be quite honest. Ultimately, in reflecting on this film I think we must remember those who died that fateful day, and to live by their example, that we can&#39;t afford to give in to those who want to destroy us. http://www.spout.com/blogs/lopezdash/archive/2007/11/8/21527.aspx Post By: lopezdash
Post To: The Movie Blog
Post Date: 11/8/2007 12:46:47 PM
Body: Amy Argetsinger and Roxanne Roberts over at the Washington Post are reporting that the Washington premiere of Lions for Lambs was a veritable who's who of Hollywood and DC insiders. In addition to stars Robert Redford, Tom Cruise, and his wife Katie Holmes, DC insiders in attendance included "Dan Snyder, Madeleine Albright, Ted Leonsis, Lynda carter, George Stephanopoulos, David Gregory and a bunch of congressfolk..." events I'm very much looking forward to "Lions for Lambs" and am intrigued by the way Hollywood is interfacing with (and portraying) a post-9/11 world. For many years following the attacks, references to 9/11 or to terrorism were simply not allowed and did not appear in mainstream US cinema. The past couple of years (particularly since the release of World Trade Center and United 93) have seen a growing interest in film that is critical of US foreign policy in the Middle East, and the war on terrorism. My theory on this, and please tell me what you think, is that, WTC and United 93 provided the cinematic closure (the type of catharsis that is inherent in the moviegoing experience) that the American people needed before we could move beyond (but never forget) those events. In a way, reliving the tragedy restored the ability to question the decisions made in response to it. Recent films that touch on the post-9/11world relative to US foreign policy include Syriana, The Kingdom, No End In Sight, and Vantage Point.
]]>Thu, 08 Nov 2007 17:46:47 GMTlopezdashThe Movie Blog11/8/2007 12:46:47 PMAmy Argetsinger and Roxanne Roberts over at the Washington Post are reporting that the Washington premiere of Lions for Lambs was a veritable who&#39;s who of Hollywood and DC insiders. In addition to stars Robert Redford, Tom Cruise, and his wife Katie Holmes, DC insiders in attendance included &quot;Dan Snyder, Madeleine Albright, Ted Leonsis, Lynda carter, George Stephanopoulos, David Gregory and a bunch of congressfolk...&quot; events I&#39;m very much looking forward to &quot;Lions for Lambs&quot; and am intrigued by the way Hollywood is interfacing with (and portraying) a post-9/11 world. For many years following the attacks, references to 9/11 or to terrorism were simply not allowed and did not appear in mainstream US cinema. The past couple of years (particularly since the release of World Trade Center and United 93) have seen a growing interest in film that is critical of US foreign policy in the Middle East, and the war on terrorism. My theory on this, and please tell me what you think, is that, WTC and United 93 provided the cinematic closure (the type of catharsis that is inherent in the moviegoing experience) that the American people needed before we could move beyond (but never forget) those events. In a way, reliving the tragedy restored the ability to question the decisions made in response to it. Recent films that touch on the post-9/11world relative to US foreign policy include Syriana, The Kingdom, No End In Sight, and Vantage Point. http://www.spout.com/blogs/hoss75/archive/2007/10/10/20571.aspx Post By: Hoss75
Post To: Hoss75 Blog
Post Date: 10/10/2007 3:57:20 AM
Body: I believe the "neutral" reviews are from reviewers not knowing how to feel about the movie. Strong feelings of pain from recollecting the day doesn't make anyone want to say they "loved it", in spite of how well it was made. At least that's the way it was for me This film was really difficult to rate in that it was a horrible experience, but that was what it was supposed to be. This was an amazingly crafted film. The use of no name actors, not making extreme characters (keeping them real), and personal camera work make the film feel very real. So real in fact that I experienced most of the same feelings that came over me on 9/11 and those feelings stuck with me for several days afterward. If anything see the film so as to Never Forget.
]]>Wed, 10 Oct 2007 07:57:20 GMTHoss75Hoss75 Blog10/10/2007 3:57:20 AMI believe the &quot;neutral&quot; reviews are from reviewers not knowing how to feel about the movie. Strong feelings of pain from recollecting the day doesn&#39;t make anyone want to say they &quot;loved it&quot;, in spite of how well it was made. At least that&#39;s the way it was for me This film was really difficult to rate in that it was a horrible experience, but that was what it was supposed to be. This was an amazingly crafted film. The use of no name actors, not making extreme characters (keeping them real), and personal camera work make the film feel very real. So real in fact that I experienced most of the same feelings that came over me on 9/11 and those feelings stuck with me for several days afterward. If anything see the film so as to Never Forget. http://www.spout.com/blogs/filmafic06/archive/2007/9/30/20254.aspx Post By: filmafic06
Post To: filmafic06 Blog
Post Date: 9/30/2007 12:57:39 PM
Body: One of the most powerful movies I've ever seen. I felt like I was there, and I literally sat in shock after it was over. Thank you, Greengrass, for this unsensationalized, sensitive approach to the tragedy and heroism of that day!
]]>Sun, 30 Sep 2007 16:57:39 GMTfilmafic06filmafic06 Blog9/30/2007 12:57:39 PMOne of the most powerful movies I&#39;ve ever seen. I felt like I was there, and I literally sat in shock after it was over. Thank you, Greengrass, for this unsensationalized, sensitive approach to the tragedy and heroism of that day! http://www.spout.com/blogs/erico_77375/archive/2007/7/22/15513.aspx Post By: erico_77375
Post To: erico_77375 Blog
Post Date: 7/22/2007 5:04:20 AM
Body: Everyone over the age of ten can tell you what they were doing on September 11, 2001. My story is very interesting, but is for another time. My point is this: that day almost five years ago was probably the longest for Americans since the Kennedy assassination. The dead still haunts us between our fears of a reoccurrence and our politicians milking it for our votes. That day almost stopped being ours on September 12.Paul Greengrass' United 93 is painfully honest, heartbreakingly direct, and completely devoid of Hollywood tactics such as hollow sentiment and oversimplified heroics. This film doesn't have to, the real emotions and real heroics are much more satisfying. Here, we see 9/11 without the slogans, the policies, and the apologies. The first five hours we can forgive all the mistakes, the ones made after are the ones we can scrutinize. The film has a very grainy documentary feel to it, using steady cams and handhelds to keep a near-first-person feel to it. We are there when we see the passengers enter the plane (one almost doesn't make it). We see the air flight controllers coming to work (many of the real players of that day are playing themselves in the film). We see the confusion begin to ensue as an American flight suddenly goes silent, then another plane. Then the World Trade Center is hit. Now things are more chaotic? Is this an accident? The second plane answers that one, and on CNN. Ben Stiney (as himself) is the most powerful man in aviation and has to make serious choices with very little reliable intelligence. The military needs to send up jets, but where? And do they have the authorization to shoot them down? Where's the President? Where's the Vice President? No one is made the bad guy because this is not the time to lay blame. This is the time to respond. And the film understands that very clearly.But this is ultimately about United Flight 93; it's passengers, crew, and the terrorist who take over the flight. These people are neither shown as saints nor demons. They're scared (even the terrorists), they're not prepared for history, and they don't have much time to make decisions. The actors playing these real people understand the weight of the responisibility they have to surviving families and to the nation to not grandstand or to make these people less than human.Paul Greengrass is the perfect filmmaker who lived through the rough times of the IRA (as though they've gotten better) and has a keen eye for making films that keep you close to the subjects he's shooting. This film is his finest moment, tackling such a difficult day with dignity and respect for all involved. I am sometimes afraid of what this film might have been like with a more conventional American filmmaker. Can you also hear the sappy overtures and "Let's Roll!" being said with bravado straight out of John Wayne movie?Speaking of music, I need to mention John Powell's score. The music never plays over a slight hum, and is never catchier as a few beats meant to keep pace of the panic going on around the controller floors and on the plane. He could have gotten away with making very heroic themes and overplay American patriotism. But he trusted in Greengrass and the audience. And I thank him in return.I have to say one last thing. It was noted that theatres had to take out trailers of United 93 after public outcry declaring it "too soon". But is it? How much time does it require to finally talk about it? Perhaps this might be the first step into finding real closure.All in all, United 93 is an important film, one I cannot urge strong enough for you to see. It finds dignity in the darkest hour, hope in the light of tragedy. And above all, it finds humanity even to our enemies.
]]>Sun, 22 Jul 2007 09:04:20 GMTerico_77375erico_77375 Blog7/22/2007 5:04:20 AMEveryone over the age of ten can tell you what they were doing on September 11, 2001. My story is very interesting, but is for another time. My point is this: that day almost five years ago was probably the longest for Americans since the Kennedy assassination. The dead still haunts us between our fears of a reoccurrence and our politicians milking it for our votes. That day almost stopped being ours on September 12.Paul Greengrass&#39; United 93 is painfully honest, heartbreakingly direct, and completely devoid of Hollywood tactics such as hollow sentiment and oversimplified heroics. This film doesn&#39;t have to, the real emotions and real heroics are much more satisfying. Here, we see 9/11 without the slogans, the policies, and the apologies. The first five hours we can forgive all the mistakes, the ones made after are the ones we can scrutinize. The film has a very grainy documentary feel to it, using steady cams and handhelds to keep a near-first-person feel to it. We are there when we see the passengers enter the plane (one almost doesn&#39;t make it). We see the air flight controllers coming to work (many of the real players of that day are playing themselves in the film). We see the confusion begin to ensue as an American flight suddenly goes silent, then another plane. Then the World Trade Center is hit. Now things are more chaotic? Is this an accident? The second plane answers that one, and on CNN. Ben Stiney (as himself) is the most powerful man in aviation and has to make serious choices with very little reliable intelligence. The military needs to send up jets, but where? And do they have the authorization to shoot them down? Where&#39;s the President? Where&#39;s the Vice President? No one is made the bad guy because this is not the time to lay blame. This is the time to respond. And the film understands that very clearly.But this is ultimately about United Flight 93; it&#39;s passengers, crew, and the terrorist who take over the flight. These people are neither shown as saints nor demons. They&#39;re scared (even the terrorists), they&#39;re not prepared for history, and they don&#39;t have much time to make decisions. The actors playing these real people understand the weight of the responisibility they have to surviving families and to the nation to not grandstand or to make these people less than human.Paul Greengrass is the perfect filmmaker who lived through the rough times of the IRA (as though they&#39;ve gotten better) and has a keen eye for making films that keep you close to the subjects he&#39;s shooting. This film is his finest moment, tackling such a difficult day with dignity and respect for all involved. I am sometimes afraid of what this film might have been like with a more conventional American filmmaker. Can you also hear the sappy overtures and &quot;Let&#39;s Roll!&quot; being said with bravado straight out of John Wayne movie?Speaking of music, I need to mention John Powell&#39;s score. The music never plays over a slight hum, and is never catchier as a few beats meant to keep pace of the panic going on around the controller floors and on the plane. He could have gotten away with making very heroic themes and overplay American patriotism. But he trusted in Greengrass and the audience. And I thank him in return.I have to say one last thing. It was noted that theatres had to take out trailers of United 93 after public outcry declaring it &quot;too soon&quot;. But is it? How much time does it require to finally talk about it? Perhaps this might be the first step into finding real closure.All in all, United 93 is an important film, one I cannot urge strong enough for you to see. It finds dignity in the darkest hour, hope in the light of tragedy. And above all, it finds humanity even to our enemies. http://www.spout.com/blogs/thefilmpanelnotetaker/archive/2007/6/5/10180.aspx Post By: thefilmpanelnotetaker
Post To: thefilmpanelnotetaker Blog
Post Date: 6/5/2007 9:52:00 AM
Body: Sundance Institute at BAM - "Snow Angels" Saturday, June 2, 2007At the Sundance Institute at BAM, David Gordon Green, director of George Washington, All the Real Girls and Undertow, screened his latest feature, Snow Angels, that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. Green adapted Snow Angels from the novel by Stewart O'Nan. Together with cast members Sam Rockwell (Confessions of a Dangerous Mind) and Olivia Thirlby (United 93), Green addressed the audience during a Q&A after the screening. My knowledge of Snow Angels stems from my days attending SUNY Brockport about 10 years ago, where I took a class called The Writers Craft. If my memory serves me correct, it was actually O' Nan's The Speed Queen that I had to read for the class, and O'Nan came to do a reading at The Writers Forum . However, I read Snow Angels anyway on my own.After watching the movie Snow Angels at BAM, I recall at least one major difference, that being that there seemed to be a lot more interaction between the characters of Annie (played by Kate Beckinsale) and Arthur (played by Michael Angarano). The plot unwinds differently in the film than it does in the book, but they both seem to have the same traggic effect. Also in attendance at the screening were filmmakers Craig Zobell (Great World of Sound), Michael Tully (Silver Jew), Todd Rohal (The Guatemalan Handshake), and Aaron Katz (Quiet City). It was Tully's blog, Boredom at Its Boredest, where I was reminded about yesterday's screening of Snow Angels. Thanks for the reminder, Tully!Here are my notes from the Q&A with Green (DGG), Rockwell (SR), and Thirlby (OT):Q: What grabbed you about the story [Stewart O' Nan's novel]?DGG: I read it in a couple of sittings. Takes place in the 1970s. Don't know how autobiographical it was to O' Nan. It felt immediate to me. It haunted me. The book goes into greater depth. I made it more comtemporary, tried to cast it appropriately and bring a humantity to the roles.Q: How was it to adapt a novel?DGG: It was the first thing I got paid for. This book is so full of good stuff. I took out some of the characters like Arthur's sister. In the book, Arthur is grown up and looking back.Q: What made you cast Griffin Dunne [in the role of Arthur's father Don]?DGG: When I was writing the adaptation, I had him in mind. Everyone in the cast is funny. It was important to allow them to breath and laugh. Griffin has had a wonderful career balancing roles.Q: What was your favorite thing working on this film?SR: The collaboration. One of the best experiences of collaboration I ever had working with great actors. My acting coach is in the audience. David set a tone like movies in the 1970s, ie. Hal Ashby. It was just fun. David just let me do stuff most directors wouldn't let me do.OT: I second that. The entire crew were incredibly awesome people. That vibe translates onto the screen.Q: What was the hardest scene to do? ***SPOILER ALERT*** DO NOT READ BELOW IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS? SR: The suicide scene for example. Got a lot of help from people. That scene was very technical. They put sardine oil on my neck to get the dog to lick my neck, but he wouldn't lick me. We had to deal with that. David let the last take go a long time before yelling "cut."Q: Showing the scenes of violence between Kate Beckinsale's character of Annie and her daughter were courageous.DGG: I wouldn't call it violence, just parenting. We didn't make it glamorous. Kate brought her own ideas into the reality of the situation, creating a more human portrait.Q: Who did you model your character after?DGG: People I probably shouldn't mention. A lot of the prototype anti-heroes of the 1970s. Have a friend who's a priest who helped him with "born-again" research. Originally posted on:The Film Panel Notetaker - Miss a panel discussion? Don't worry! We took notes for you.
]]>Tue, 05 Jun 2007 13:52:00 GMTthefilmpanelnotetakerthefilmpanelnotetaker Blog6/5/2007 9:52:00 AMSundance Institute at BAM - "Snow Angels" Saturday, June 2, 2007At the Sundance Institute at BAM, David Gordon Green, director of George Washington, All the Real Girls and Undertow, screened his latest feature, Snow Angels, that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. Green adapted Snow Angels from the novel by Stewart O&#39;Nan. Together with cast members Sam Rockwell (Confessions of a Dangerous Mind) and Olivia Thirlby (United 93), Green addressed the audience during a Q&amp;A after the screening. My knowledge of Snow Angels stems from my days attending SUNY Brockport about 10 years ago, where I took a class called The Writers Craft. If my memory serves me correct, it was actually O&#39; Nan&#39;s The Speed Queen that I had to read for the class, and O&#39;Nan came to do a reading at The Writers Forum . However, I read Snow Angels anyway on my own.After watching the movie Snow Angels at BAM, I recall at least one major difference, that being that there seemed to be a lot more interaction between the characters of Annie (played by Kate Beckinsale) and Arthur (played by Michael Angarano). The plot unwinds differently in the film than it does in the book, but they both seem to have the same traggic effect. Also in attendance at the screening were filmmakers Craig Zobell (Great World of Sound), Michael Tully (Silver Jew), Todd Rohal (The Guatemalan Handshake), and Aaron Katz (Quiet City). It was Tully&#39;s blog, Boredom at Its Boredest, where I was reminded about yesterday&#39;s screening of Snow Angels. Thanks for the reminder, Tully!Here are my notes from the Q&amp;A with Green (DGG), Rockwell (SR), and Thirlby (OT):Q: What grabbed you about the story [Stewart O&#39; Nan&#39;s novel]?DGG: I read it in a couple of sittings. Takes place in the 1970s. Don&#39;t know how autobiographical it was to O&#39; Nan. It felt immediate to me. It haunted me. The book goes into greater depth. I made it more comtemporary, tried to cast it appropriately and bring a humantity to the roles.Q: How was it to adapt a novel?DGG: It was the first thing I got paid for. This book is so full of good stuff. I took out some of the characters like Arthur&#39;s sister. In the book, Arthur is grown up and looking back.Q: What made you cast Griffin Dunne [in the role of Arthur&#39;s father Don]?DGG: When I was writing the adaptation, I had him in mind. Everyone in the cast is funny. It was important to allow them to breath and laugh. Griffin has had a wonderful career balancing roles.Q: What was your favorite thing working on this film?SR: The collaboration. One of the best experiences of collaboration I ever had working with great actors. My acting coach is in the audience. David set a tone like movies in the 1970s, ie. Hal Ashby. It was just fun. David just let me do stuff most directors wouldn&#39;t let me do.OT: I second that. The entire crew were incredibly awesome people. That vibe translates onto the screen.Q: What was the hardest scene to do? ***SPOILER ALERT*** DO NOT READ BELOW IF YOU DON&#39;T WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS? SR: The suicide scene for example. Got a lot of help from people. That scene was very technical. They put sardine oil on my neck to get the dog to lick my neck, but he wouldn&#39;t lick me. We had to deal with that. David let the last take go a long time before yelling "cut."Q: Showing the scenes of violence between Kate Beckinsale&#39;s character of Annie and her daughter were courageous.DGG: I wouldn&#39;t call it violence, just parenting. We didn&#39;t make it glamorous. Kate brought her own ideas into the reality of the situation, creating a more human portrait.Q: Who did you model your character after?DGG: People I probably shouldn&#39;t mention. A lot of the prototype anti-heroes of the 1970s. Have a friend who&#39;s a priest who helped him with "born-again" research. Originally posted on:The Film Panel Notetaker - Miss a panel discussion? Don&#39;t worry! We took notes for you. http://www.spout.com/blogs/sgtdobson/archive/2007/5/7/8392.aspx Post By: SgtDobson
Post To: SgtDobson Blog
Post Date: 5/7/2007 10:47:59 PM
Body: As much as I love serving my country, I love a stunning tribute to true heroes. Although I don't think anything less than the Medal of Honor should be accorded the men and women portrayed in this film, it is a moving tribute to the heart of patriotism and the true American spirit. One of the few films I cried through, and the story of this sacrifice for the good of the Nation is truly moving.
]]>Tue, 08 May 2007 02:47:59 GMTSgtDobsonSgtDobson Blog5/7/2007 10:47:59 PMAs much as I love serving my country, I love a stunning tribute to true heroes. Although I don&#39;t think anything less than the Medal of Honor should be accorded the men and women portrayed in this film, it is a moving tribute to the heart of patriotism and the true American spirit. One of the few films I cried through, and the story of this sacrifice for the good of the Nation is truly moving. http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/family/MemberTagFilms.aspxfamily
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