There aren't words to describe it.
Certain films in one's life defy critical
analysis. They are so deeply within oneself that
it is nearly impossible to look at them
objectively...with a true critical eye. "9/11"
is, in many ways, such a film.
I do not pretend to know what it is like to
experience events such as those that occurred on
9/11. While I have certainly experienced
significant trauma in my life, I have not
experienced terrorism...I have not experienced
mass death...mass pain...mass suffering. While I
have experienced events one could easily
describe as horror, I have never truly been
surrounded by it. Those who experienced 9/11
firsthand were, in fact, surrounded by horror.
This film, shot by two filmmakers who just
happened to be doing a documentary on probie
firefighters when the WTC was attacked, is not
just a film. It is an experience. It contains
the sights, sounds, feelings and emotions that
many of the survivors of 9/11 continue to
experience to this day. I cannot imagine a
survivor of 9/11 watching this film and not
having a flashback. It is, without a doubt, an
automatic trigger. This film goes beyond film
into documenting real life...horror, tragedy,
heroism and slow but steady healing.
To comment on the technical aspects of this film
is to miss the point. This film is not about the
art of filmmaking. It is a documentation of
history...of profound, tragic and horrific
history. Anyone who has ever suffered from
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder may, in fact, be
triggered by this film. Even though my life
experiences were very different, the feelings,
the visuals, the voices in this film brought
back much of my own horror. That is how powerful
this film is...it can trigger horror beyond that
which is inherently within the film.
"9/11", for me, is a film that defies
criticism...it defies rating. It is a valuable
film that serves to remind each of us of the
power of hatred, the power of violence to
destroy our lives. It's the kind of film that
makes me want to put aside my petty differences
with people and just love them. It's the kind of
film that makes me want to take those I love and
say it to them over and over and over again.
It's the kind of film I hope I never have to see
again.
©
Written by Richard Propes
TC Candler's Comment
N/A
Jacob
Hall's Comment
N/A
