United 93: Should you see the movie?
There was an interesting post yesterday by Karl at Leaning Straight Up entitled Reflections on United 93: Why you should see the movie and why I won’t. Here are a few teasers — go read the full post for his thoughtful reflections and you’ll see why I added him to my blogroll today.
The story of how the passengers of Flight 93 is a grand epic on some senses and a tragedy in others. To look at it in the terms of the “hero” film one can easily see the elements that make it compelling: The drama was playing out live, via cell phones and recordings as the passengers of the flight found themselves not only hijacked but due to the timing, forewarned as to what there fate would be, and in knowing that, they took fate in their own hands,
That immediately brings many conflicting emotions and images. For the families, the heart wrenching feeling of loss and despair, as the families knew their loved ones were doomed. There must have been an intense feeling of the inevitable, the waiting for their deaths, then a rush of adrenalin as the revolt takes place, pride then fear as contact is lost, and lingering hope that is shattered with the news of the crash. Hollywood prides itself on movies that take you on “an emotional roller coaster” but the reality of this event makes that seem tame.
To those of us not connected as closely to the flight, we can say we shared their pain, but it is a lie. I cannot share any of that, and moreover, I have to deal with my own personal shame: Would I have had the guts to do the same? If faced with my certain death, would I have hidden in a corner, or struck back against the hijackers? I can hope in my life, if I am faced with that manner of choice, that I would be remembered with such pride. I can hope.
TrackBack
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.mcculloughsite.net/cgi-bin/mt-tb.cgi/641
Comments
Thank you for the trackback and blog roll. I have added you to mine as well.
Keep up the excellent blogging.
Posted by: Karl | April 29, 2006 01:30 AM
I don't think I''m ready to see that movie, especially since I'm told that the directors took some “creative” license with it. It's not completely accrurate. Unfortunately, people will watch the movie and consider it all historical facts.
Posted by: PoliticalCritic | April 29, 2006 03:50 PM
I can hope in my life, if I am faced with that manner of choice, that I would be remembered with such pride
I think most would be willing to make this sacrifice once they have been given a purpose and plan to follow. What I believe is rare is the initiative and leadership required to put forward the purpose and plan and the say 'let's roll'. Fortunately, flight 93 had one or more of those rare people.
Posted by: docdave | May 4, 2006 02:46 PM