“World Trade Center” (Paramount Pictures)
No Politics, Just Heroics
Oliver Stone, yes that Oliver Stone, has directed a movie about the destruction of the twin towers of the World Trade Center. His name as director may raise a red flag or two about the content of the film. But the Oliver Stone who directed “World Trade Center” is not your father’s Oliver Stone. This time he has created a movie that is all about the heroics of the day and not about the politics. It is a respectful tribute to the men and women involved in the horrific events of 9/11 and dedicates itself to stories of valor, courage and faith.
“World Trade Center” tells the story of two men, John McLoughlin (Nicolas Cage) and Will Jimeno (Michael Pena). They are two Port Authority Policemen who were on duty on September 9, 2001. They were told to report to the World Trade Center and they did so without question. When they arrived they gathered extra equipment and proceeded to enter the building. At that time the building collapsed and they were trapped in the rubble.
The movie explores the actions and attitudes of these two men as they wait and hope for rescue. It also shows the impact their problems have on their families. McLoughlin’s wife (Maria Bello) and three children are comforted by friends and family as they wait for word on John’s survival. Jimeno’s wife (Maggie Gyllenhaal) is pregnant with their second child so her family is concerned with her health in addition to fears about his well being
The acting in the film is uniformly good with Pena being a little more in tune with his character than Cage, and Gyllenhaal being more of a presence in the movie than Bello. Bello appears to have been fitted with blue contact lenses for the film and her eyes never look exactly right during the movie.
The film is a little long but it never seems padded. It takes a certain amount of time to tell the full story of McLoughlin and Jimeno, and Stone lets it flow without feeling rushed. He also doesn’t milk the story for extra emotional moments. Those that come are a natural part of the events and never seem forced.
The film is rated PG-13 for profanity and violence.
The effect of the movie from the very start is to rekindle those feelings and emotions we all had as we watched the events of 9/11 play out. For some members of the audience this may be too much, and they will not want to see certain moments re-enacted. Others will admire the stories of heroism that took place and will relish the opportunity to return to the feelings of pride these actions provoke.
Your reaction to “World Trade Center ” will depend in large part on what you bring to the theater. Stone has made a moving and respectful film about this day of infamy. He will surprise you with his restraint and taste.
I scored “World Trade Center” a heroic 7 out of 10.
